Who We Are
Bright Prospect was founded in 2002 to break intergenerational cycles of poverty by increasing access and support to higher education opportunities for students. We provide year-round college access for low-income, first-generation high school and college students, emphasizing a "to and through college" model. Our signature program components include academic support, life-skills training, social-emotional learning, and individualized mentorship. Our goals have always been to improve the education, and consequently, the economic standing of at-promise youth in our community.
Our Vision
At Bright Prospect, our vision is for empowered students to reach their full potential, succeed in college, and pursue fulfilling careers that enable them to thrive and give back to their community.
Our Misson
Bright Prospect empowers first-generation, low-income students to and through college. We provide transformative support and educational opportunities throughout high school and college to ensure they thrive and graduate.
The Need
The academic achievement gap between students in low-income communities and those from middle or affluent communities is well documented. The statistics show that students who can attend and graduate from college are more likely to gain employment in life-supporting careers, thus breaking the cycle of poverty. In the Pomona community, where only 17.7% of its residents have a bachelor's degree compared to 35% statewide, the disparity of college access for our community is particularly wide, thus contributing to higher levels of poverty.
The Response
Bright Prospect is working to help bridge this gap in education equity, supporting and empowering low-income, first-generation students in their educational and career journeys. Our program is open to any high school student interested in attending and graduating from college with a bachelor's degree. Students remain in our program from 9th grade through their completion of college, no matter how long it takes. The College Access Program designates staff coaches for each grade level, 9th through 12th, and College. Our program provides social-emotional learning, individualized mentorship, professional development, and a comprehensive counseling and support system to empower and guide our students throughout their high school and college years. We aim to significantly increase the number of low- income, first-generation students who enroll, persist, and graduate from college.