Q: What is the Bright Futures program?
A: Bright Futures is a comprehensive, multi-year program that equips first-generation students with the full spectrum of “college knowledge” to get to - and through! - post-secondary education. Run by the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF), students receive one-on-one coaching, college readiness programming, a peer network, and financial assistance in the form of need-based financial aid (on average $2,750 per student annually), a $1,000 annual scholarship, and as-needed emergency aid to support students in case of unexpected, detrimental financial challenges.
Q: How are Bright Futures and Park City Education Foundation connected?
After a two-year study period, PCEF started the Bright Futures program nine years ago. PCEF is grateful for the initial investment and involvement of donors and volunteers who helped launch the program, and we’re so proud of the program's impact over those nine years. As of this spring, we have walked alongside about 200 students over those nine years, and supported 25 of them to cross the college graduation finish line. This is about a 64% college graduation rate—higher than the national average for all students who enter college, about 60%, and the national average for first-generation students, which, unfortunately, is only 24%.
Q: What is the mission of the Park City Education Foundation?
PCEF’s mission is to fund and support educator-powered initiatives that inspire all Park City students to reach their academic and lifelong potential.
Q: What changes are happening to the Bright Futures Program?
A: Bright Futures is expanding to serve every first-generation student at Park City High School (PCHS), approximately 230 students, next year. By embedding the support of a dedicated Bright Futures Counselor and college readiness programming directly into the school day, we’re ensuring approximately 200% more students can access college readiness support without barriers like transportation or after-school conflicts and without having to request or apply for that support. With stronger collaboration and partnership between PCHS and PCEF programs that support first-gen students, we will maximize our impact and improve first-gen post-secondary matriculation rates.
Q: Will there be new staff members in place?
A: In addition to PCEF’s full-time Bright Futures College Manager, who has worked with students on the PCEF team since January 2024, PCEF partnered with the Park City School District (PCSD) and PCHS teams on the creation of a brand-new position–a Bright Futures Counselor–who will be embedded within the counseling team at PCHS. This PCEF-funded role will support every first-generation college student in addition to their traditional counselor. They will also partner closely with PCEF’s College Manager to ensure a smooth transition in support from high school to post-secondary. The new Bright Futures Counselor will start in August, as the current high school program manager heads off to grad school.
Q: How is the program remaining the same?
A: PCEF’s college support next year will look the same as in recent years. PCEF will continue to staff and fund a full-time College Program Manager who coaches and supports students in the Bright Futures program through their post-secondary journeys. The organization will continue providing financial support to Bright Futures students through emergency and needs-based financial aid and scholarships. Additionally, the program will continue to celebrate the incredible achievements of our first-generation college graduates! PCEF and PCSD were gratified to celebrate 11 first-generation college graduates with their families at this April’s celebration. You can view the photos from the joyous event here.
Q: How is Bright Futures funded?
A: Bright Futures is funded as a program of PCEF through the generosity of our donors, many of whom make restricted gifts to support the Bright Futures program. As with any nonprofit, any restricted gifts that PCEF receives are used exclusively for the program to which those gifts are restricted. In the case of the Bright Futures program, all restricted Bright Futures gifts are used solely to fund expenses for the Bright Futures program and are accounted for separately from the PCEF general fund.
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Our Promise
Bright Futures is growing, not going away. By embedding support into Park City High School, we’re ensuring:
- Every first-gen student gets help—no exceptions.
- Proven strategies (like 1:1 coaching) continue.
- Donor trust is honored—funds stay with the program.
Have more questions? We’re here to talk! Contact Jen Billow at jbillow@pcschools.us.
