Bright Futures Foundation provides scholarships, mentorship, and college coaching to first-generation students from under-resourced schools.
First-generation college students don't fail because they aren't smart — they fail because nobody at home has navigated the system before. We change that.
Every scholarship comes paired with a personal mentor, FAFSA help, summer transition programs, and a four-year support network that gets students across the finish line.
Our flagship four-year scholarship program for high-achieving, first-generation students at partner high schools.
A six-week residential program the summer before college that builds skills, friendships, and confidence.
Pairs every Bright Scholar with a personal mentor — a working professional who's been there, done that.
Free, in-person FAFSA and financial aid workshops at our partner high schools every fall and spring.
Internship matchmaking, resume coaching, and an employer network that hires our alumni first.
Lifelong community for graduates — speakers, grad school prep, and giving back to the next class.
“My mom never went to college. She didn't know how to help me apply. Bright Futures did. Now I'm a senior at NYU studying engineering.”
“I had no idea internships were even a thing for someone like me. My mentor introduced me to my first one — I just got hired full-time.”
“I almost dropped out my freshman year. My Bright Futures coach got on the phone with my financial aid office and saved my semester.”
Choose how you want to give. Every gift is tax-deductible and 100% goes to student programs — our operations are funded separately by a board endowment.
Funds tutoring, FAFSA workshops, and mentor matching events.
Sponsors one student through the Summer Bridge program.
Endows a named scholarship for one full year, all four years.
501(c)(3) · EIN 84-1234567 · Corporate matching available