2026 Bright Futures College Graduates!

Congratulations to the Bright Futures students who have now earned college diplomas!

• Edwin Ramos - Aviation Management, Utah Valley University
• Emylee Palominos - Health and Kinesiology, University of Utah
• Estelle Meneses - Nursing, Westminster University
• Jessica Hinojos - Ethnic Studies - emphasis in Latinx Studies, University of Utah
• Kevin Sanchez - Film and Media Arts, University of Utah
• Kenneth Vazquez - Health and Kinesiology, University of Utah

Achieving the dream of a college degree took relentless work - YOU DID IT! We are so proud of you and can't wait to see what you accomplish next.

Congratulations to the PCHS Bright Futures Class of 2026!

Congratulations to the 72 Bright Futures students who are graduating from Park City High School!

ALL of the BF grads have post-high school plans:

• 53 students plan to attend college/university.

--That's a 36% increase vs last year

• 27 are on track to earn the Bright Futures Scholarship.

--That's a 59% increase vs last year.

• 100% have a post-grad plan!

Expectations Exceeded: 
Year One with New BF Counselor

As the first year of the Bright Futures expansion wraps up, PCEF is taking stock of the results.

The Goal: 
Ensure every first-gen student at PCHS has a path to post-high school success.

2025/26 Outcomes:

• 133% increase in first-gen students accessing support

--100 students participated in 2024/25

--233 participated in 2025/26

• 90% increase in parent participation!

Colleagues and Counselors Say: 
Year One with New BF Counselor Exceeds Expectations

From Heather Briley, PCHS Counselor

"The dedicated Bright Futures Counselor, Pepper Elliot at Park City High School, serves as a crucial resource that provides first-generation college students with in-depth and tailored support. Pepper is an invaluable expert, sharing specific knowledge in areas like college, career, scholarship, and financial aid, guidance that is essential for students and families for whom this process is new.

A strength of the program is the seamless transition and collaboration between the school counselors, the Bright Futures Counselor, and the scholarship advisor. The entire counseling team is aligned in supporting students and their families. We are fortunate to have Pepper available right down the hall in the counseling office."

From Holly Huggins, PCHS Special Education (Transition / Work Experience)

"Pepper sees every student for the bright future they can have and she has made it her mission to meet with every first generation student and invite them into their bright future that she knows is possible.

I have personally witnessed several times, students receiving an appointment slip for Ms. Pepper and then coming back with a twinkle in their eye and a statement of "Do you know that I can go to college?!" Then you start to see a shift, their attendance can increase and the seriousness with which they approach their classes can increase as well.

It does really help to have a person in the counseling office who is willing to let them know 'hey I believe in you and the bright future ahead of you.' Then little by little you can watch the students start to believe in that bright future too."

From Pepper Elliot, Bright Futures Counselor

"This year, it has been an honor to take on the new role of Bright Futures First Generation Counselor at Park City High School. I've truly loved so many aspects of the position, from organizing college field trips, hosting meetings and events, to celebrating our upcoming senior scholarships and graduation.

My favorite highlight has been meeting individually with each Bright Futures student from freshmen through seniors. Getting to know them, understanding their unique dreams, and working alongside them as they plan their futures has been a genuine delight.

The school year flew by faster than I expected, and the program has exceeded my initial hopes. This group of students is remarkable, and I'm excited to welcome new freshmen to the program in August.” 

What is PCEF's Bright Futures Program?

From Dreams to Degrees: Helping First-Generation Students Succeed Beyond High School

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! – college and career education. 

We walk alongside these motivated students from classroom to campus, starting in 9th grade.

Nationwide - just 24% of first-gen college students make it to the graduation finish line. Bright Futures goal is to change those odds for Park City students.

Your generosity is an investment into our future: it changes students' lives and economic outcomes for generations to come.

First Generation Support at PCHS

Through Bright Futures and the counselors, teachers and programming at PCHS, a full spectrum of support is provided for students who are the first in their families to go to college. 

Dream Big and Bright Futures work hand in hand. Dream Big is an award winning year-round PCHS curriculum preparing students for the academic rigor of AP classes, college concurrent enrollment classes, and the ACT.

The Latinos in Action classes from 6th-12th grade teach leadership and community service skills, focusing on the strength of students' bilingual capabilities and multicultural experiences.

Want to Know More About PCEF?

Be sure to check out the PCEF website for information on the nearly $2 million in programs we fund in our district.