Bright Prospect assists high school students in gaining admission and graduating from college through two complementary, inter-related programs. The following chart provides a quick overview and comparison of these two programs.

For complete program descriptions, please refer to:

Scholar Support Program
Academy of Young Scholars



Year Launched 2002 2006
First High School Graduating Class 2003 2009
First College
Graduating Class		 2007 2013
Number of High Schools 13 5
Number of Participants (2010-2011 Academic Year) 190 500
Primary Objective Graduation from a highly selective private college. Participants attend 12 of the 15 highest ranked universities and 21 of the 25 highest ranked liberal arts colleges. Graduation from college. Approximately 80% of Academy students attend public colleges and universities in California, while 20% attend highly selective private colleges through our Scholar Support Program.
When Participants
Join the Program		 2nd semester 11th grade 2nd semester 9th grade
How Participants
are Identified		 Nominations from high school counselors and teachers of advanced placement and honors classes. Students are recruited by Bright Prospect staff and current Academy participants
Selection Process Application, essays and personal interviews None
Minimum Requirements
  • GPA of 3.4 or higher (over half have GPAs over 4.0)

  • Income below $30,000 for a family of four (over half have incomes below $20,000)

  • Willingness to go out of state colleges.
  • None to join.

  • Within one year of joining: GPA of 2.8 or higher

  • Ongoing: Consistent active participation
Key Program Components
  • SAT Preparation

  • Guidance in determining which colleges to apply to

  • Meeting with college recruiters at our office

  • College application assistance

  • Financial aid application

  • Arranging campus visits

  • Advice in final college choice

  • Cultural expeditions

  • Pre-college orientation
    and guidance

  • Ongoing mentoring
    at college

  • Financial assistance
    as needed
  • Summer Academy educates participants about college and developing a plan to gain admissions, attend and graduate from college

  • Peer-support "Crew" meetings and activities

  • Weekly tutoring sessions

  • Life skills training

  • Academic skills training

  • Team building activities

  • Leadership development activities

  • Cultural expeditions

  • Guidance in public university applications and financial aid applications

  • Peer-support Crews on college campuses
Financial Support
in College		 Supplemental financial aid for all students (as needed on a case-by-case basis) for such expenses as airfare (two round trips per year), books, student health insurance, warm clothing, and other costs not met by college-provided financial aid. Scholarships of $500-$1000 per year awarded to approximately one-third of students who are chosen by demonstrated leadership and financial need.