Programs

The COVID-19 crisis underscores the urgency for our Bright Futures students. Money allocated for college tuition is being redirected toward immediate family needs like food and shelter. Tuition assistance for first generation students is needed now more than ever to keep these young adults in school and on track toward college graduation. Please give toward Bright Futures tuition assistance.

“Bright Futures provides opportunities, a platform, and security that as first-generation college students it is valid for us to dream, and one day our dreams will be our reality.”
- Sadie Ortiz, PCHS Class of 2019

ABOUT

Nationally, just 11% of low-income, first-generation college students graduate college. With Bright Futures, we see an 80% graduation rate.

Think life coaching: Bright Futures is a comprehensive, multi-year program that equips first-generation students with the full spectrum of “college knowledge” so they can get to - and through! - post-secondary education. 

Things like choosing the right school, how to apply, and how to complete financial aid forms are taught. Then, a bit later, tackling obstacles like transportation, which organizers cite as one of the biggest challenges. 

Next, what on-campus housing is - or even what the phrase “meal plan” means. That vocabulary just isn’t used when no one else in the family has had a college experience before. The logistics piece is only one part of BF. Families are also educated about the importance of college, and why things like applying for FAFSA and honoring deadlines, are critical for entry. 

Bright Futures students are guided to develop social and emotional skills. How to ask for help. How to access resources. How to build those critical support networks. 

PCEF donors also provide tuition assistance, helping to bridge the gap between actual college expenses and what is covered by scholarships and financial aid.

BENEFITS

Bright Futures teaches students social and emotional skills, how to develop peer networks, and how to become self-advocates. 

Mentoring, which begins in high school and continues all the way through college graduation, ensures our students are able to set themselves up for success. Similar programs have an 80% graduation rate. 

The Associated Press says the pay gap between college grads and high school grads is the highest it's ever been. Bright Futures goal is to break the cycle of poverty - so the children of Park City's backbone workers can support their families and contribute to to society.

PCEF DONOR SUPPORT

The Bright Futures Program started in 2016 after a three year research period.  Since then, low-income students who are the first in their families to attend college, have been impacted with $380,000 in funding from PCEF.

COVID-19: Donor Support Needed

Your help is urgently needed. Tuition assistance for First Generation students is needed now more than ever to keep these young adults in school and on track toward college graduation. Please give to provide tuition assistance to Bright Futures students.