For Parents

FOR PARENTS

Success Belongs to Those Who Are Prepared  
— Is Your Child?

An Important note from our executive director, Joanne Jones

Dear Parents,

As a mother and former Director of Advancement at a top-tier private school, I know firsthand the weight of every decision you make for your child’s future.

I’ve walked the same path you are on—navigating the ever-changing landscape of education, college admissions, and the challenge of preparing my own child for an increasingly competitive world.

Beyond being a parent, I served as Director of Advancement for 6 years at St. John the Baptist DHS, a private school in New York ranked in the top 20% nationwide, with over 1,200 students and 94 teachers—99% of whom hold advanced degrees. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to help foster the strongest academic foundation possible for these students.

During my time at St. John’s, I saw firsthand that while education equips students for the future, parents are focused on something even more immediate—college admissions. Across St. John’s and the tens of thousands of families in the private school system, the central concern has always been how to secure the best university opportunities for their children. Also, how to identify opportunities in our ever-changing world of education, career choices and technology.

Interacting with thousands of families as both a mother and a director at St. John’s has given me a pragmatic and results-driven perspective on what it truly takes to shape the next generation of changemakers and leaders at scale. Real change requires not just idealism but practical strategies that empower students to succeed in both the short and long term.

In addition to my previous role at St. John’s, I am a UN Credentialed ECOSOC CS, advocating for youth empowerment and sustainable development at the United Nations headquarters.

At GYEL, alongside our Coalition Partners to the United Nations, I bring both perspectives—that of a mother and a leader of change – to ensure that students are not just educated but fully prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Why Most Programs Fall Short— And Why GYEL Is Different

Too many extracurricular and enrichment programs follow a one-size-fits-all model. They assume they know what students need without listening to parents, educators, or admissions experts.

The result?

Programs that teach abstract topics that sound beneficial but provide no immediate competitive advantage for students.
A failure to recognize what top universities actually look for in students.
Missed opportunities for students because the program isn’t aligned with real academic and career pathways.

At GYEL, we take a different approach.

We understand that shaping future leaders requires working within the system—not against it.

Top universities and employers seek high-achieving candidates—so we provide students with the right resources and knowledge to accelerate their success.
Networking and mentorship accelerate success—so we provide direct access to world-class leaders.
Students must demonstrate impact, leadership, and initiative—so we equip them with the skills and experiences that truly matter.

But perhaps most importantly, we don’t dictate an agenda.

Unlike many programs that focus on an abstract vision of their own agenda disconnected from what families actually need, GYEL works collaboratively with parents, students, educators, and industry leaders.

Because developing global changemakers requires more than just ambition—it demands an understanding of how real success is built.

A perfect example of this is financial literacy. If we were to poll 100 parents, nearly all would say that personal financial knowledge is important.

But when it comes down to it, parents rarely enroll their children in these programs because they believe there are more pressing matters—such as college readiness, admissions, academics, and extracurriculars—that are more immediate needs.

A program can be well-intentioned, but if it doesn’t address the immediate priorities of families, students won’t enroll, and no real change happens.

The truth is that real transformation happens when we work within the system—leveraging what already drives success to create real opportunities.

That’s why GYEL is different.

We don’t have programs for the sake of having programs. We equip students with the tools to thrive now—so they can become the world-changing leaders of the future.

What Our Parents Prioritize Most

When making decisions about their child’s education, parents focus on what will have the greatest long-term impact:

College admissions & academic readiness – A strong application opens doors.
Extracurriculars & leadership experience – Meaningful involvement matters.
Avoiding missed opportunities – Without the right opportunities to highlight themselves, students risk being overlooked.
The cost of inaction – Gaps in a student’s high school preparation can limit their college and career opportunities.

GYEL is designed to address these priorities, providing both academic advantages and essential leadership skills.

Designed for Success: Who We Consulted to Build GYEL

We built GYEL with direct input from those shaping student success—ensuring students develop not just the right knowledge, but the skills and experiences that top universities and future employers demand.

By integrating insights from those who actively influence education, industry, and admissions, GYEL ensures that students are not just prepared—they are highly competitive.

Limited Enrollment—Apply Early

GYEL is highly selective, accepting only 1 in 5 applicants. With rolling admissions, spots fill fast—applying early gives your child the best chance of securing a place before we reach full capacity.

For more information, contact us at applications@un.gyel.org.

Sincerely,
Ms. Joanne Jones
United Nations ECOSOC CS
Executive Director, Global Youth Excellence and Leadership (GYEL) Program