One of the ways JMHS Dollars for Scholars helps students is through its support of the Bright Future Program. Lead by the energetic Reza Khastou, the Bright Future Program combines completion of high school with vocational training, preparing students higher-paying skilled jobs.

Reza started Bright Future in 1999, with the idea to serve students who are at risk of dropping out. The students, many of whom come from low-income families, receive close supervision while they are in Bright Future--if they miss class without making up the hours, for example, they are asked to leave the program.

Reza meets weekly with students to discuss their progress, attendance, and home lives. It is this one-on-one attention that has been a key success factor in the program.

This year, there are 19 students from Roosevelt High School and John Marshall High School in the Bright Future Program. Participating students typically raise their GPAs by 0.3 points. JMHS Dollars for Scholars supports Bright Future students from John Marshall by providing scholarship funds that cover expenses such as day care, books, uniforms, and supplies.

As Reza recently stated: “The Bright Future Program works because it establishes and fosters partnerships between students, parents, high schools, Seattle Community Colleges, externship sites, and community organizations. I firmly believe that if we discover what our students are passionate about and place them where they can work on this passion, then magic happens.”

JMHS Dollars for Scholars is proud to be a part of this network of support!