“Very simply, it began with a pair of shoes..."
Virginia Wheelwright, co-founder
“A local boy had received a scholarship to a local university, but he had no shoes . . .
. . . Well, he wasn’t going to go to college without shoes!"
"So, my friend Helen Morris took him down to the shoe store where the boy knew exactly what pair he wanted…
...And that is what he got”
The success of that 1 student inspired Virginia, Helen and their friends Peggy Bell,Marge Zap, Bob Hesdorfer, Joe Ershun,and Betse Davies to support more university students.
In that moment Jóvenes Adelante was born.
FAST FORWARD to
2026
JA CONGRESS 3.0
Celebrating 25 Years of Higher Education Support
The Class of 2026 Selection Process Begins
Almost 200 potential applicants with 100 parents attend the orientation.
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