PCEF’s Bright Futures students heading to college

(Top to bottom, left to right) Edwin Ramos, Emylee Palominos and Juliet Nava, Estelle Meneses, and Jessica Hinojos. Photo: Park City Education Foundation

PARK CITY, Utah — Juliet Nava, Edwin Ramos, Estelle Menenes, Emylee Palominos, and Jessica Hinijos are all graduating seniors that are part of the Park City Education Foundation’s (PCEF) Bright Futures program, which aims to support first-generation college students.

“Bright Futures starts the summer before 10th grade, and Juliet, Edwin, Estelle, Emylee, and Jessica are great examples why,” said Jennifer O’Brien, director of Bright Futures Park City.

The Bright Futures (BF) support continues for at least the next seven years, all the way through college graduation. BF works alongside students and families as they develop college knowledge, participate in coaching, mentorship, and more.

“Earning competitive scholarships doesn’t start with the application process in 12th grade – it requires a long-term plan with volunteer service, extracurricular activities, and internships,” O’Brien continued. “It requires a strong GPA and honors level coursework. These victories reflect years of hard work and commitment from these motivated and resilient first-generation students.”

When Park City High School senior Juliet Nava saw a notice come in regarding her Daniels Scholarship application, she couldn’t wait.

“I was so anxious to find out I decided to open it then and there,” Nava said. “And then I saw the word that would change everything: ‘CONGRATULATIONS!’ I let out a big cheer like never before and yelled from the top of my lungs. I couldn’t contain my excitement. I felt like all the sweat and tears put in these past years were worth every bit.” Nava will attend the University of Utah, where she plans to explore career options in social work and mental health.

Edwin Ramos, who is set to study film in the University of Utah’s Honors Program, is a recipient of the Utah Jazz Scholarship.

Four years of his tuition, room and board, books, fees, transportation, and other supplies will be fully funded. “Before, I had no intention of enrolling in college because of how expensive it is,” Ramos said. “Bright Futures helped me look at it as something important.”

Presidential Merit Scholar Estelle Menenes earned the Bleil & Zehner Scholarship, Westminister College’s President’s Scholarship, and the Griffin Grant. She plans to study nursing at Westminister.

Emylee Palominos and Jessica Hinijos both earned the Michael and Sandrina Villegas Range First Generation Hispanic College Student Scholarship. The award was created in 2020 and partners with the PCEF BF program.

Emylee will continue her Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies (PCCAPS) medical studies in the University of Utah Honors Program.

Hinijos is passionate about social justice and plans to pursue a career in government. She’s currently deciding between the University of Utah, Utah State, and Westminister College.