As Park City High School’s Class of 2026 celebrates graduation, there is another significant milestone worth recognizing. This year marked the first year of the expanded Park City Education Foundation’s Bright Futures program at Park City High School. Bright Futures supports motivated first- generation students and their families as they navigate high school, explore career pathways, apply for college and scholarships, and create a plan for life after graduation. For many students, the journey to college begins with guidance from parents or family members who have navigated the process themselves. First-generation students face this journey for the first time, making access to personalized support necessary and important. This year, the response from students and families exceeded our expectations. Seventy-two seniors participated in Bright Futures, compared to 25 last year. Of the 72 seniors, 53 plan to attend a college or university. Most importantly, every Bright Futures senior graduated with a plan for what comes next. We expanded support to include ninth grade and every first-gen student in high school. Participation grew from 100 students last year to 233 students this year — a 133% increase in first-gen students accessing support. Parent participation also increased by 90%, demonstrating the importance of engaging entire families in the planning process.  These numbers represent so much more than program growth. Every number represents a student exploring and discovering new possibilities for their future, and a community helping ensure they have the opportunity to pursue their goals after high school.  A key part of this year’s success was the addition of a dedicated Bright Futures counselor at Park City High School. Working alongside the school’s counseling team, Pepper Elliott provided support and guidance in college and career planning, financial aid, scholarships, and post-secondary opportunities. Together, the counseling department and high school created a true support network for first-generation students and their families. At the Park City Education Foundation, our mission is to fund initiatives that inspire all Park City students to reach their academic and lifelong potential. The success of Bright Futures demonstrates what is possible when schools, families and community members work together to remove barriers and create pathways to succeed for the next generation of leaders. As we celebrate this year’s graduates, we also celebrate all who have invested in and supported them along the way. We’re so proud of the Class of 2026 and excited to see where their journeys lead.  Ingrid Whitley President CEO, Park City Education Foundation The post Future is bright appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less