BRIGHT FUTURES
A College Degree for First-Generation Students
"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
Bright Futures Stories & More
Bright Futures' Support is About to be Enhanced!
As Bright Futures starts its 10th year in 2025/26, support for first-generation students at Park City High School (PCHS) will be enhanced!
PCEF has traditionally staffed and run the high school portion of Bright Futures outside the school day, but, as we first announced in February, next year, the impact will be expanded.
NEW FOR PCHS IN 2025/26 →
- PCEF will fund an experienced, certified, licensed counselor position inside PCHS to support every first-generation ninth- through twelfth-grade student. This is in addition to the support of their traditional counselor.
- ALL first-generation PCHS students will have access to significant support within school hours -- critical for students with packed extracurricular schedules, commitments to help family, and after-school jobs.
- First-generation students will no longer have to opt in to receiving additional support; they will automatically receive it.
COLLEGE SUPPORT REMAINS THE SAME IN 2025/26 →
Bright Futures’ college support next year will remain 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.
- Funding support from PCEF remains the same and will continue to be provided.
- This includes need-based financial aid (an average of $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.
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.
Click here to find answers to common questions about our program’s growth and new initiatives, designed to ensure that every first-generation student has the support they need to thrive.
Bright Futures Changes Lives:
Motivated First-Gen Students Get To and Through Post-Secondary Education
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.
First →
Most BF students participate in Dream Big (10th - 12th grades), which ensures Park City’s motivated first-generation students have what they need to get TO college. Students work their way through a rigorous academic curriculum to prepare themselves to succeed in AP and concurrent enrollment classes. A network of PCHS teachers ensures students receive this expert subject prep and year-long support.
Together, Dream Big and Bright Futures help students as they navigate:
- choosing the right college
- how to apply
- creating and following budgets
- how to find the right scholarships
- family support
- how to work through financial aid forms
- one-on-one individualized coaching
- peer support
- financial assistance... and more.
Then →
The Bright Futures team helps students tackle difficulties like transportation to college classes and unexpected obstacles and expenses, which organizers cite as some of the biggest challenges.
Plus - students will have access to the new Bright Futures Counselor, who will be embedded within the counseling team at PCHS. This is a PCEF-funded role that will support every first-generation college student (this is in addition to their traditional counselor). The BF counselor will also partner closely with PCEF’s College Manager to ensure a smooth transition in support from high school to post-secondary education.
Ultimately →
Bright Futures walks alongside Park City's first-generation students as they prepare for, succeed in, and graduate college. We make a long-term commitment to support students from 10th grade through college graduation - a minimum of seven years!
“Dream Big gets us to college, Bright Futures gets us through college. They’re each a community that comes together to form an even bigger community.”
- Jose Hernandez-Bello PCHS Class of 2023
Bright Futures Provides Multi-faceted, Long-term Support
Once students are in college, the PCEF Bright Futures team continues comprehensive one-on-one coaching, mentoring, and resourcing until BF students make their way through their chosen degree. Coaching may focus on how to ask for help, how to find and access resources, how to build critical support networks, interviewing and interning successfully, emergency assistance, and more.
Critical Numbers
Bright Futures Park City launched in 2016, after a two-year research period conducted by PCEF. 2024/25 marks the 9th year for the program, which has nearly 160 students enrolled.
- 98% matriculation rate straight from high school...
- compared to the 52% nationwide average for first-generation students.
- 100% of Bright Futures Park City students are accepted into two or more colleges.
- Bright Futures college students have collectively achieved a 64% graduation rate.
- Nationally, only 24% of first-generation students graduate with a bachelor's degree by age 24.
- As of spring 2025, there are 23 Bright Futures college graduates!
PCEF Donor Impact
PCEF donors provide program support, professional development opportunities, tuition assistance, and, sometimes, emergency aid. This helps our hard-working first-generation students bridge the gap between actual college expenses and what is covered by scholarships, financial aid, and students' jobs.
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 its first nine years.
Bright Futures' goal is to help every first-generation student achieve their dream of post-secondary education. With a college degree, these future leaders will support their families and make our community stronger. Your generosity changes students’ lives and economic position for generations to come.
Please consider an investment in first-generation students' college dreams!
Learn about the Michael and Sandrina Villegas Range First Generation Hispanic Scholarship
