Bright Futures, a program of the Park City Education Foundation, has been a beacon of hope for first-generation students, guiding them through the challenges of higher education. As the organization celebrates its 10-year milestone, this article delves into the remarkable journey of supporting these determined individuals and the profound impact it has had on the community.

Unlocking the Potential of First-Generation Achievers

Fostering a Supportive Community

Bright Futures has cultivated a vibrant community of first-generation students, alumni, and dedicated supporters. The recent celebration held at the home of founder Tommy Tanzer was a testament to the program's enduring success. The event brought together a diverse array of individuals, all united in their commitment to empowering these trailblazers. "The event was terrific. It was well attended," Tanzer remarked. "It was just happiness. It wasn't a fundraiser. It was really saying thank you to the 10 years of the people who started the program and then to the new people who are taking the program from here and running into the future."

Bridging the Gap for First-Generation Students

The Bright Futures program is designed to support first-generation students, those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. "We walk alongside them as they work extremely hard to achieve their dream of a college education or a secondary education, whatever that may be," said Jennifer Billow, vice president of advancement at the Park City Education Foundation. The program's partnership with the Park City School District has been instrumental in navigating the complex educational landscape and opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Evolving to Meet Changing Needs

Over the years, the Bright Futures program has refined its approach to better serve its students. One key challenge identified was the lack of support system for students once they transitioned to higher education. "The statistic nationwide is that only 11% of first-generation students make it through college," Billow explained. "We wanted to change that statistic in Park City, and especially because so much of our first-gen families are the families that are really making this town run." To address this, the program now offers ongoing mentoring, financial assistance, and guidance to students throughout their college journey.

Fostering Peer Support and Resilience

A unique aspect of the Bright Futures program is the creation of "crews" – groups of students who support each other as they navigate the higher education landscape. These crews provide a sense of community and a network of immediate support as students transition into their college experience. "The program has grown to the point where we now have two full-time staff members who are dedicated almost entirely to Bright Futures," Billow said, "one in high school and one in college."

Overcoming Pandemic Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for the Bright Futures program and its students. According to statistics from the Community Foundation, 90% of parents in the community of first-generation students lost their jobs during this time. This placed immense financial strain on the students, forcing them to choose between supporting their families or pursuing their educational dreams. "The team worked extremely hard to keep those students in college, despite the significant challenges they faced," Billow said. "COVID taught us, you just don't know what could be thrown at you. And the resilience of these students of making their college dream continue to happen, to see it was inspiring to say the least."

Celebrating Achievements and Inspiring the Future

The Bright Futures program has seen remarkable growth since its inception, expanding from an initial class of 20 students to now supporting 80 high school students and 65 in college. The program has also celebrated the success of 12 to 13 college graduates, some of whom have even returned to the community to contribute their skills and expertise. "For instance, one is working for the Summit County Health Department. But that was the idea — supporting students who are motivated, dedicated and hardworking. They're doing all the work, and if we can support them with finances, budgeting, FAFSA, choosing a major or pointing them to scholarships, we're there to help because the parent equation is difficult when you're a first-generation student," Billow shared.As Bright Futures continues to evolve and expand its reach, the program's impact on the lives of first-generation students and the broader community is undeniable. By providing comprehensive support, fostering a sense of community, and empowering these determined individuals, Bright Futures is paving the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background, can achieve their educational aspirations.