Hope During Gridlock

As we navigate a complex and often polarized political landscape in the United States, the challenges facing education equity and global cooperation can feel daunting. Legislative gridlock, shifting priorities, and underfunded commitments continue to test our resolve. Yet, amid this turbulence, a powerful source of hope is rising.

Across the country, GCE-US youth advocates have stepped forward with clarity, courage, and conviction. This month, they will showcase community projects that reflect how they’ve transformed the skills gained through GCE-US’s youth engagement program into meaningful action. These young leaders are reframing the narrative, demanding accountability, and offering bold solutions rooted in justice and inclusion.

At GCE-US, we are proud to stand beside this rising generation. Their voices remind us that change is not only possible, it’s already underway.

Sincerely

Giulia McPherson
Executive Director

Elections & Shutdown Continues

On November 4, Democrats won major victories in key U.S. elections, signaling strong momentum ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Democratic candidates swept high-profile races across the country, including governorships in Virginia and New Jersey, and the New York City mayoral race. Abigail Spanberger became Virginia’s first female governor, Mikie Sherrill won in New Jersey, and Zohran Mamdani made history as NYC’s first Muslim mayor. Voters also passed California’s Proposition 50, a redistricting measure favoring Democrats.

At the same time, as of today, the U.S. government shutdown has entered its 38th day. Congressional negotiations remain stalled over budget priorities and healthcare funding, leaving federal agencies partially closed, workers unpaid, and essential services disrupted nationwide.

GCE-US continues to engage with congressional offices during this period in anticipation of the government re-opening and finalization of the FY26 budget.

Youth Advocates in Action

Exciting news! GCE-US Youth Advocates are finishing their community action projects and have already impacted at least 380 individuals on topics ranging from “The Power of Coalition Building” to “Access to Higher Education for Refugee Youth.”

The 2025 Youth Advocate Final Presentations will take place virtually on Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00 PM EST. If you’d like to attend the final presentations to learn about the advocates’ community projects and their learning from the program, email Program Director, Grace Rector to register.

GCE-US youth alumni also continue to engage in advocacy in their communities. On October 14, three alumni - Melina Hettiaratchi, Stephanie Peña, and Pierina Anton Lopez - spoke on a GCE Alumni Panel and shared how they are now applying lessons learned from GCE in their range of influential careers.

Share Your Thoughts

Who is making the decisions affecting education in your context? Are policy priorities changing? Is the structure of education delivery shifting?

The International Education Funders Group and Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education have launched a listening survey on the Present and Future of Global Education and we invite you to take part.

Your feedback will inform how we all understand the impact of financial cuts to education, build our collective knowledge of how the education community is responding in this changing world, and will shape thinking on global education narratives and strategies we take forward together.

The deadline is November 30, 2025 and findings will be shared in early 2026.

Take the Survey

Member Spotlight: Jesuit Refugee Service

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) served 401,593 refugees, asylum seekers, and host community members worldwide through education programming in 2024. Missioned to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees and forcibly displaced people, JRS believes in education as a human right and a protection mechanism that provides stability, builds resilience, and creates pathways to economic and social inclusion.

In Lebanon, JRS supports non-formal and formal education for displaced and vulnerable children whose schooling has been repeatedly interrupted. JRS Lebanon’s work is built on the understanding that quality education and emotional wellbeing must develop together, especially in communities affected by prolonged crisis.

JRS Lebanon’s interventions at the Bourj Hammoud Education Centre combine learning recovery and psychosocial support in one integrated framework to help children rebuild skills and confidence. Alongside retention support and basic literacy and numeracy, structured Mental Health and Psychosocial Support activities—awareness sessions, group work, and individualized case management—help children manage anxiety, improve social interaction, and develop emotional resilience.

From JRS Lebanon, “Education is more than learning, it’s a chance to dream, grow, and build a brighter future. At JRS Lebanon, we walk with children and youth every step of the way, ensuring education is inclusive and accessible for all.”

Learn More

New: FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund

Earlier this year, our partners at Global Citizen announced the launch of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund which aims to expand access to quality education, literacy, and football for children worldwide. The Fund is now accepting applications from community-based, grassroots organizations for General Operating Support or Program/Project Support.

Applications close December 31, 2025.