JPII sophomore Aanya Patel has achieved an extraordinary milestone: she has been accepted into the elite Wharton Global Youth Program at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania this summer. Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious pre-college business programs in the country, this experience will not only broaden Aanya’s academic horizons but also position her for continued success in high school, college, and her future career.

The Wharton Global Youth Program offers high-achieving students the rare opportunity to dive into the world of business, finance, economics, and entrepreneurship under the guidance of Wharton’s renowned professors and business leaders. Over the course of the program, Aanya will engage in:

• Rigorous coursework in areas such as leadership, global markets, data analytics, and strategic management
• Hands-on case studies and simulations mirroring real-world business scenarios
• Team-based projects and business plan competitions, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation
• Lectures and seminars led by Wharton faculty, connecting academic theory with business practice
• Networking opportunities with like-minded peers from around the world, as well as Wharton alumni and corporate executives

Each day will be packed with stimulating academic sessions, interactive workshops, group discussions, and leadership training—all designed to cultivate a deep understanding of business principles and global market dynamics. Students will live on Penn’s historic campus, gaining a true taste of Ivy League academic life.

"This is an outstanding achievement for Aanya and a testament to her drive, intellect, and leadership potential," said Cara Buckland, College Counselor at JPII. "Wharton is one of the most rigorous business schools in the world. To be accepted into their summer program as a sophomore speaks volumes about Aanya’s academic excellence and her promising future."

Acceptance into the Wharton Global Youth Program is highly competitive, and participation signals to top-tier colleges that a student is already operating at an exceptional academic and leadership level. It also provides students with invaluable preparation for business studies at the undergraduate level and beyond.

"The students who thrive at Wharton are those who are not only intelligent but who are curious, resilient, and ready to tackle complex challenges," Mrs. Buckland added. "Aanya embodies all of these qualities. I am confident that this experience will be transformative for her as she continues to shape her academic path and leadership journey."

We are incredibly proud of Aanya and look forward to seeing the impact she will make—both at JPII and in the wider world—as she continues to pursue her goals with excellence, ambition, and a faith-driven spirit.