Typically, May 1st is College Decision Day and graduating seniors across the country would be celebrating their decisions for the fall. The COVID-19 crisis has thrown the Class of 2020 into uncharted territory, but one thing is certain; 23 first-generation PCHS seniors have every reason to be proud of their accomplishments. After years of hard work, these students have earned college acceptances across the state and beyond.
There is a shadow over this happy news. For many of our first-generation students, dreams of going to college are in jeopardy because of the pandemic. According to the Park City Community Foundation, "In a recent survey, Latinx families—many who normally work in the hospitality sector—51% said they have no work, and only 12% are working over 30 hours per week. 84% said the greatest barrier they face right now is paying rent and bills, and 75% have sought assistance for food since COVID-19. Many of the families are not eligible for government programs."
COVID-19 job losses mean that money allocated for college tuition is being redirected toward immediate family needs like food and shelter. As parents have lost jobs, some students have even gone to work full-time to help cover food and rent payments - there is no room to save for college expenses.
Fortunately, generous donors have stepped up this spring to help cover this unexpected tuition gap. So far, nearly $80,000 has been raised, a little more than half the expected shortfall for our Bright Futures students.
As they prepared for their future, PCHS students went above and beyond by taking part in at least one of these programs:
1) Bright Futures college mentoring program for those first in their families to attend college, 10th grade through college graduation (funded by PCEF donors).
2) Latinos in Action leadership and volunteering class for Latinx students, 6th grade - 12th grade (funded by PCEF donors and PCSD).
3) Dream Big AP and ACT preparation class for those first in their families to attend college, 10th - 12th grade (funded by a grant from Utah State University).
Their hard work has paid off:
Christian Amendariz: Dream Big and Latinos in Action, University of Utah
Gracie Burnham: Bright Futures and Dream Big, Utah State University
Lindsay Carreto: Bright Futures, Dream Big, and Latinos in Action, Utah State University Ambassador Scholar
Evelyn Chautla: Bright Futures and Dream Big, Westminster College
Camilla Escobar: Bright Futures and Latinos in Action, University of Utah Honors College
Vincente Flores: Bright Futures, Dream Big, Latinos in Action, University of Utah
Adamary Gomez: Bright Futures, Gap Year
Adilene Juarez Ramirez: Bright Futures, Dream Big, Latinos in Action, University of Utah
Alexis Montalvo: Bright Futures, Dream Big, Latinos in Action, University of Utah Honors College
Ingrid Molena Sorano: Bright Futures, Dream Big, Latinos in Action, Utah State University
Argelia Nava Martinez: Bright Futures, Dream Big, Latinos in Action, Utah State University
Cassandra Paniagua: Dream Big, University of Utah
Angelo (Gio) Pena: Dream Big, Dixie State University
Edgar Pena: Bright Futures, Dream Big, Latinos in Action, Utah State University Eastern
Karina Ramirez: Dream Big, Salt Lake Community College
Ramsey Rea: Bright Futures, Weber State University
Jamie Rosales: Bright Futures, Dream Big, University of Utah Honors College
Britney Sanchez: Bright Futures, University of San Francisco Honors College
Vincente Sanchez: Dream Big, Weber State University
Karla Santos: Dream Big, Latinos in Action, University of Utah
Maetzi Suarez: Bright Futures, Dream Big, Latinos in Action, University of Utah or Salt Lake Community College
Katia Talavera: Bright Futures, Salt Lake Community College
Luis Vazquez-Morales: Dream Big, Latinos in Action, University of Utah
Luis Vazquez: Dream Big, Latinos in Action, University of Utah
Bright Futures is the only PCHS program that follows low income, first generation students all the way from 10th grade through college graduation, offering coaching and mentoring services as well as tuition assistance. Students apply to the program in the spring of their 9th grade year.
You can give to support Bright Futures tuition assistance, and help the children of Park City's backbone workers. Thank you!
