Program Details
“I’m elated that Alana was able to participate in Partnership for the Future. She learned so much about responsibility and commitment from everyone who was involved. The program was challenging but she always knew that it was the kind of challenge that would make her better — and it did.”
Cynthia Powell, parent of a PFF alumna
How the Program Works
The High School Journey
During the school year, we meet with each student to monitor their grades – all students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average to stay in the program. We also oversee their volunteer services and other extracurricular activities that will position them well for college. Students attend “Cultural Capital Sessions” three times during the school year to help fill in any experiential gaps. Students participate in paid work experiences for three summers encompassing career immersion or internships with local businesses, Monday through Thursday, for up to 7 weeks. They spend each Friday with PFF developing additional skills.
Applying and Paying for College
SAT study, college visits, financial aid guidance, and college application coaching help guide students in the college-search process. We match the money our students save toward college, up to $2,000, and each year provide additional scholarships to students who exemplify the ideals of PFF and our founders’ commitment to excellence.
Proper College Prep
Just before college, recent graduates receive our “On To College” programming that prepares them for their upcoming transition. Professors give mock lectures to prepare the students for the format and focus needed to maximize collegiate learning. We also impart the importance of getting to know their student services representatives well. Panels of college students — including some former PFF students — share their insights and answer questions.
A Smooth Transition
Getting to college is the first step. Then what? Once PFF students matriculate to college, they have another hurdle to clear: staying there. Many low-income students lack both the cultural capital and the support networks to position themselves well once they are in college. Our College Support program is the answer. Our Director of College Success helps freshmen connect with support services, identifies early stumbling blocks, and aids students in establishing methods to overcome concerns. We conduct site visits to various colleges to gather comprehensive college profiles, visit each student on his or her campus once during the school year, and coordinate a meeting to celebrate all the participants’ successes at the end of each semester.
Results that Matter
For the past five years, we have stayed with our students through their college journey. Here are the results over those five years:
- 100 percent of our students matriculate to college.
- 100 percent of our students are accepted by one of their top five college choices.
- Each year, we have at least one high school valedictorian.
- The Class of 2024 earned over $17.9 million in scholarship.
- Since the program’s inception, 77 percent of our students have graduated within six years.
- 85 percent of students in the program are first generation college attendees.