Brighter Futures focuses and personalizes support for adolescents, and their families, to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty

Nine students from the Ellenville and Kingston School Districts are among the graduates 

KINGSTON, N.Y. - Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan today announced that nine students from the Ellenville and Kingston School Districts are among the graduates from Ulster County’s Brighter Futures Program. Launched in 2019, Brighter Futures focuses and personalizes support for adolescents, and their families, to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Support for students enrolled in the program range from internship placements and employment training, mental health counseling, mentorship, and subsidies for clothing and transportation. 

“Ulster County is thrilled to have worked with these students and their families in helping them achieve their dreams,” Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan said. “Each of these young people gets very personalized, one-on-one care and support to help them not just complete high school or their equivalency, but a number of additional services to put them on a path for success.” 

“What makes this program great is that they take the first step and make you feel comfortable enough to finally ask for help,” Brighter Futures Graduate Marlon Cabrera said. “Brighter Futures has helped me out with my recruiting process and decision on where I will be headed to college. The amount of love the mentors have for the kids really does go a long way.”

“The Brighter Futures Initiative has been a major support for Ellenville High School students. Assistant Principal Ellenville High School Frank Mulhern. “The BFI mentor program, coupled with an array of resources that are individually tailored to each student, has reshaped their pathways to success in school, at home and in the community! On June 25th, six of our students will successfully graduate from Ellenville High School with their cohort because of this amazing program! Thank you, Brighter Futures!”

Ellenville Central School District Graduates

Kawshar Biswas

Marlon Cabrera        

Charlie Cromwell    

Samantha Lopez

Julio Otero                 

Dajiia Stubblefield

Kingston City School District Graduates

Antoine Leonard

Brenda Perez

Isaac Rosario

Last year, the Brighter Futures program graduated three students in their inaugural class. Graduating students have reported going on to college, the military, and starting in the workforce. In the 2021 Ulster County Budget, County Executive Ryan dedicated funding to double the program from 20 to 40 participants.

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