Review from a mother who attended the CP:R/YLC 2025 as a guardian:

“A 5-day, 4-night conference hosted by JAMA is held during the third week of July in Lindale, Texas, about two hours from Dallas. The conference is divided into two tracks: YLC (Youth Leadership Conference) for high school students and CP: R (College Prep Radiant) for incoming college freshmen. I’m here as a chaperone with four students.

As you can see from the schedule, a variety of speakers cover essential topics for youth, things like dopamine addiction, sexuality, dating, achieving academic excellence in college, time management, and psychological challenges such as anxiety and shame.

Students are divided into small groups of 6–7, each cared for by loving and attentive small group leaders. From day one, the students worship with the kind of passion you’d usually expect only on the final night of a retreat. I’m genuinely grateful because they are learning things here that I simply couldn’t teach them myself.

Students gather from the East Coast, the West Coast, Brazil, and all over the U.S., creating great networking opportunities. College-bound students meet older brothers and sisters—students or GLDI (another great JAMA’s leadership program) alumni—who offer advice and mentorship.

The overarching theme here is to empower young people to live as owners and servant leaders of America. While I’ve led BICA (Bridge International Christian Academy) with a strong emphasis on “Don’t forget you’re Korean,” this experience is challenging me to also consider how we can help our students live confidently as rightful members of this land.

The kids undergo a complete phone detox during the 5 days—no phones allowed—which is so refreshing to see. It fosters healthy focus and genuine connection.

Many of the mentors here are elites even by worldly standards, yet from them, I’m learning humility. From day one, they welcomed us with big smiles and even helped carry luggage from my car. The volunteers helping with cleaning and meal service—all these young people serving joyfully—show me what it means to be “elite without elitism.” Just watching them love and serve the kids is heartwarming.

Thank you for your service!”

-Yeonjai Rah, Ph.D.https://www.facebook.com/yeonjai.rah