Jesu Manzano is first ASHS student to be admitted to prestigious Yale summer honors program

Incoming Ateneo de Manila Senior High School grade 12 student Jesu Manzano (11-Hurtado) has been admitted to one of the most prestigious and selective summer programs in the world — the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS), held in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

The program's first session- which Jesu is attending- is ongoing, running from 22 June to 4 July 2025. YYGS is an honors program officially recognized and directly administered by Yale University, distinguishing it from other summer offerings such as Oxford Royale. With an acceptance rate of just 10–15%, it is one of the most competitive pre-college programs globally. 

This year, over 13,000 students from more than 150 countries applied to the YYGS program. Only 600 students are admitted per session, with a total of 1,800 participants across all three sessions. According to Yale’s records, Jesu is the first student from Ateneo de Manila Senior High School to be accepted into the program.

A Yale insider also shared that “there are 10 students attending this year who have significant connections to the Philippines—whether through school affiliation, permanent residence, or citizenship.”

Jesu was accepted into his first-choice course, Politics, Law, and Economics, and was also awarded a scholarship — a testament to his excellence and the strength of his application. The rigorous admissions process required extensive documentation, including academic records, teacher recommendations, and school evaluations — all of which reflect the high standards and holistic education of the Ateneo.

Notably, this is not Jesu's first time at Yale. In November 2023, while in Grade 10, he competed in the World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions (TOC), held at Yale University’s campus. Competing in the Senior Division, he earned an outstanding three gold medals (Top 86 Individual Debate, Top 40 Team Debate, and Individual Writing), three silver medals (Team Writing, Champion Scholar, and Top 144 Team), and was also named the Top 162 Champion Scholar.

Jesu is also a seasoned and award-winning debater. Most recently, just days before the YYGS 2025 program began, he represented the Philippines — along with two other ASHS debaters — at the Vietnam Asian Schools Debating Championship (ASDC) 2025, where they reached the Open Semifinals of the prestigious regional tournament.

Jesu’s achievements reflect not only his own dedication and talent but also the excellence and support provided by the Ateneo community. His journey underscores the holistic formation and academic rigor that define an Ateneo education.