Bright Futures for Youth and our programs are frequently in the news, and we would like to share the reports and stories with you. Please sign-up for our emails and receive the latest news. We promise to respect your email – and privacy.


News

Ideas & Opinions — Mark Heine: Embrace summer and the many learning opportunities in the community

Mark Heine, Bright Futures for Youth | Other Voices — The Union June 12, 2025 As kids start the long-awaited and much-deserved summer break, parents will likely come across stories about the so-called “summer slide,” when students experience a modest decline in academic skills learned during the school year, especially in English and math. It’s […]

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Supervisors Video

30 years – and counting

The Friendship Club, an after-school program for middle and high school girls – has reached a 30-year milestone, which was recently recognized by the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. Please check out the 1:24 mark of the video presentation at the Board of Supervisors meeting on June 3, which details our many accomplishments and challenges. […]

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Bright Futures for Youth’s The Friendship Club to Celebrate 12 Young Women Graduating from Area High Schools and the After-school Program on May 21

The Friendship Club is celebrating its 30th anniversary, with several hundred girls participating over the years. Lofty expectations, life-changing experiences, ongoing peer pressure, and often overwhelming stress are part of the life of teens. Twelve young women – each with their own accomplishments, challenges and stories – faced those issues and many others with friendship, […]

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Explore Careers in Emergency Services

Monday, May 5, 4:30-6 p.m. workshop for youth in grades 9-12. Food provided. This is a great way to introduce young people to careers in Emergency Services — from Emergency Medical Technicians to Firefighters and Emergency Dispacers. These challenging, exciting positions make a difference in of our community. The workshop is hosted by Bright Futures for Youth and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Nevada County branch.

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graduates

Honoring our 2025 Friendship Club Graduates

Our 24th annual Graduation & Scholarship Dinner is May 21 at the Center for the Arts. We will celebrate the accomplishments of these young women graduating from The Friendship Club and high school, and wish them well in the future.

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Kids playing fooseball

Bright Futures/NEO Summer Jobs

Need a summer job and want to make a life-changing difference for young people in our community? Bright Futures for Youth is seeking summer interns and camp counselors.

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mentor

NEO starts pilot program to connect middle-school boys with mentors in Nevada County

A new NEO pilot program is looking for men to become mentors just a few hours every month to middle-school boys in Nevada County. A barbecue, a baseball game, bowling, a hike or shooting baskets in the park. The goal is to build a connection and develop a relationship where you can discuss numerous topics, […]

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Thanksgiving Fundraiser

Seeking Thanksgiving Dinner Sponsors

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and Bright Futures for Youth is looking for a major sponsor – or a group of sponsors – to help pay for our annual Thanksgiving dinners that feed about 225 young people.

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cafe

Bright Futures for Youth to Hold Community Open House Tuesday, Oct. 22, 4:30-6:30 p.m. to Celebrate Milestones — including the one-year anniversary of the popular NEO Youth Center — and Outline New Efforts

Several hundred young people every month develop friendships, learn new skills and have access to numerous services through the organization.

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Heart of Gold Race

Heart of Gold Race set for Oct. 5 in Nevada City

Hundreds of experienced bike riders will compete Oct. 5 in the fourth annual Heart of Gold, two challenging gravel-course races through Gold Country that will increase awareness and raise funds for mental wellness programs for children and young adults in Nevada County.

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