Contributed by: Marjie Davis, Bright Futures Committee Member  

Bryant School District is now one of approximately 42 Arkansas school districts to become a Bright Futures Community. Bright Futures is a nonprofit organization that unites schools and community partners to meet students’ immediate needs within 24 hours. This rapid response underscores the program’s urgency and importance. While school districts are foundational to the program, its true strength lies in its community-driven approach.

The targeted mission of Bright Futures is to remove the barriers to education faced by some of our kids. To maintain that mission, the program focuses on student needs that impact a child's ability to learn—things like clothing, shoes, school supplies, mentors, and tutors.

Joining Bright Futures required a one-time affiliation fee of $3,000, which was covered by a special grant from the state. The state also provides resources for training community leaders to ensure the program’s success.

Bryant School District leaders recognized that while they were successful at providing support and help for students, Bright Futures offered a unique framework to enhance those efforts. “We were already meeting student needs and didn’t want to take away from the partnerships we’ve built over the years,” explained Michele Lewis, Director of Student Services and Federal Programs. “However, after speaking with Bright Futures founder Mr. Huff, we saw the possibilities this framework could bring.”

The district’s Parent Center, which has supported students for over two decades, will continue its work alongside Bright Futures. “Bright Futures adds another layer,” said Lewis. “It helps meet needs the Parent Center cannot, such as larger items like mattresses or unique requests we can’t fulfill through donations. It’s all about expanding resources and building stronger community connections.”

Dr. Walters, Bryant’s superintendent, emphasized the importance of community partnerships. “This initiative allows us to connect with new partners and expand our network,” said Lewis. “It’s not about replacing what we have but enhancing it to help more students, especially those not covered by existing funding.”

Lisa McNeely, a Bryant social worker for over 20 years, highlighted the unique aspect of Bright Futures. “It’s community-driven,” she said. “That’s the key difference. It’s a framework, not just a program.”

According to Bright Futures’ website, the framework focuses on three priorities:

1. Addressing students’ basic needs within 24 hours.

2. Building community capacity to tackle broader challenges affecting youth.

3. Providing service-learning opportunities that foster a generation of service-minded citizens.

The program’s vision is for every community to have the resources to meet every child’s needs. “Over the years, we’ve seen a rise in students experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and other challenges,” said Lewis. “Bright Futures helps us address these issues for students who don’t qualify for federal or state assistance.”

Bryant’s Parent Center serves as a central hub, supported by grants and community donations. While existing partnerships with businesses, faith-based organizations, and individuals have been invaluable, Bright Futures aims to engage even more partners. The framework also opens opportunities for volunteers, mentors, and lunch buddies, fostering stronger community ties.

“We are better together than alone,” said Lewis. “This initiative allows us to bring more people into our schools, create new connections, and help students in ways we couldn’t before.”

Community leader Lauren Lisowe has been appointed chair of the advisory board for Bright Futures Bryant, which oversees the program’s direction to ensure it aligns with community needs. The board includes three student representatives, offering a unique opportunity for students to gain leadership experience while earning the community service hours required by Arkansas’ Learn Act.

Generous contributions from local businesses, including $15,000 from Everett, $2,000 from Summerwood Sports and $1,000 from Lewis Architects Engineers have further supported Bright Futures Bryant’s mission to serve students in need.

To learn more about Bright Futures Bryant or find ways to help, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages. Whether you’re a community member looking to serve or a student needing service hours, Bright Futures Bryant offers numerous opportunities to make a difference.

As the program’s motto says, “We are better together.”