Mexico Nonprofit Helps 314 Students Access University

While only 22% of Mexican high school graduates apply to university nationwide, one organization is changing those odds for hundreds of students in central Mexico.

Jóvenes Adelante, based in San Miguel de Allende, is currently reviewing 314 applications from local students hoping to attend university this fall. The nonprofit plans to accept up to 50 new undergraduate students and eight master's students, providing them with full support to complete their degrees.

The program covers far more than tuition. Students receive funding for housing and food, a laptop computer, mentoring, and English language tutoring throughout their studies.

Don Krim, the nonprofit's president, says their results speak volumes. The organization boasts an 83% graduation rate compared to Mexico's national university graduation rate of just 26%.

Since starting in 2001 as a small community effort, Jóvenes Adelante has grown into a binational nonprofit supporting 338 graduates and currently funding 138 university students plus 10 master's students. Students come from San Miguel de Allende, Dolores Hidalgo, and Comonfort.

The students pursue diverse fields including medicine, nursing, physical therapy, dentistry, and engineering. Others study law, agribusiness, tourism, and architecture at Mexican universities of their choice.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends beyond individual success stories. In a country where only 45% of students graduate from high school and face limited university access, educating young people creates lasting change for entire communities.

"We are impacting the course of the future of students and potentially the whole country," Krim said. "You have to have an educated population."

The organization relies on U.S. and Canadian donors, plus a significant grant from Guanajuato state that helps cover staffing and space. Krim notes they're always seeking additional donors to expand their reach.

Selection decisions for this year's applicants will be announced by July, opening doors for dozens more young Mexicans to transform their futures through education.