We write on behalf of the Park City Education Foundation Board’s Executive Committee to clarify: Bright Futures is growing — not going away.
Now in its ninth year, Bright Futures currently supports 151 first-generation students from 10th grade through college seniors, with a 100% college acceptance rate and a 64% college graduation rate — outcomes outpacing national averages that reflect a proven model and strong community support.
Following a rigorous strategic planning process, the foundation has recommitted to ensuring our mission, vision and values are at the center of everything we do. As part of that effort, we evaluated all programs and partnerships with the goal of broadening impact and improving student outcomes. The result: Bright Futures is expanding to reach every first-generation student at Park City High School.
By embedding a dedicated Bright Futures counselor into the school day and deepening our partnership with Park City School District, we’re removing barriers and ensuring equitable, daily access to post-secondary planning. The current full-time Bright Futures college manager will continue to offer personalized post-secondary support alongside this new in-school presence.
What stays the same:
- One-on-one coaching for college students.
- FAFSA support, scholarship guidance and college visits.
- Emergency financial aid, $1,000 scholarships, and needs-based financial aid.
- Alumni and peer mentorship.
What’s new:
- In-school counseling for all first-gen ninth–12th graders, increasing support from 80 students to approximately 230.
- Greater collaboration with Park City High School staff.
- Expanded outreach to ensure no student is missed.
Bright Futures is funded as a program of foundation 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 the foundation 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 foundation’s general fund.
The Park City Education Foundation has a 40-year history of strong fiscal management and deep community trust, reflected in clean annual audits, long-term donor partnerships, and consistent, high-impact program delivery.
In addition to Bright Futures, the foundation funds seven signature initiatives and supports nearly 100 programs within the school district. This evolution reflects the aligned missions of Bright Futures, the foundation and the school district to ensure that all students — especially those facing the most barriers — have the support they need to succeed beyond high school.
The Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Park City Education Foundatio