Teenage years and time spent in high school are some of the most pivotal and challenging in a young person’s life. The right mentorship can make all the difference—helping young people navigate school, personal growth, and future goals.
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The CCF youth mentoring program works with students in grades 9-12 in support of their future selves and helps them to best define the trajectory of their future, and for some of our students, with a mentor in their corner. 

When it comes to planning for the future, having the right guidance is key for students to have a smooth transition into life beyond high school. Being a part of programs like Chester County Futures can take the stress and the guesswork out of applying for college or choosing a career path. But how exactly does CCF help to make these important life transitions easier for students? Well, our program is designed to support them through every stage of the process.

Coatesville, PA - The Foxwynd Foundation DAF funded the Foxwynd Foundation’s generous donation of $15,000 to Chester County Futures (CCF), an organization that provides high school students with after-school support for subjects such as SAT prep, the college application process, and career exploration.
 
CCF’s partnership with the Foxwynd Foundation will support the organization’s Passport and Steps 4 Success programs, which provide critical educational and career skill-building opportunities for 

As we reach high school, we’re asked to make a lot of decisions that can affect our lives in a lot of ways. At a young age, people ask us questions like:
 
What do you want to be when you grow up?
What is your dream job?
Do you want to go to college?
What is your dream school?
If not college, how do you plan to get your dream job?
Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 20 years?
 
When high school rolls around and we really start to think about these things, a lot of students may not have answers to all those questions. And we’re here to tell you, that’s okay! 

Preparing for college can be beyond overwhelming. Between studying for the SATs and ACTs, writing college essays, filling out tons of applications, and figuring out financial aid, it’s easy for students to feel like they’re lost at sea with torn sails and no compass to guide them back to land. That’s why we believe it’s important for students to have an expert by their side who has the necessary experience to help them navigate the rough seas of the college application process. 

​At Chester County Futures, we connect our high school students with the opportunities and ​guidance they need to map out their path to life after high school. One way we do this is by partnering with local experts, like our friends Kathryn White and Michael Gardner at G&W College Prep Consulting.

​If there’s one thing we believe every student out there could benefit from, it’s the opportunity for career exploration. Even from a very young age, we’re asked the golden question: what do you want to be when you grow up? Some of us change our minds hundreds of times as we grow up and some of us are dead-set and know exactly what career we want. But some of us grow up and by the time high school rolls around, we still don’t know exactly what we want to be.

​Sometimes we just don’t know what career fields interest us, and sometimes we just have no idea what kind of jobs are out there. Maybe we know generally what interests us, like art or science or business, but we’re not sure what kind of job positions are available in those areas. This is where career exploration comes in.

​Two Oxford Area High School seniors receive full room, board, and tuition to attend the College.
 
Elizabethtown, Pa. - Recently, Elizabethtown College announced the 2024 recipients of the Rigg Family Chester County Futures (CCF) Scholarship. Oxford Area High School seniors Daniela P. Ayllon and Emely Rodriguez were each awarded the scholarship, which provides full room, board, and tuition for up to eight semesters to attend the College.   
 

“Chester County Futures is very thankful for the partnership with Elizabethtown College, which continues to provide hope and opportunities for students to succeed in life while investing in the future,” Chester County Futures Executive Director, Katie Breslin Duffus said. “Together we provide the support, resources, and encouragement to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals, ensuring that no obstacle stands in the way of their success.” 

High school seniors cross the stage as they graduate from the Passport Program. ​

​DOWNINGTOWN, PENN., May 22, 2023 — Families, program staff, and Board of Directors gathered at Downingtown Country Club in honor of the Chester County Futures (CCF) Class of 2023. Students crossed the graduation stage to receive their certificate of completion from the Passport Program. Upon completion of this after school program, high school seniors become eligible for scholarships to aid them as they pursue post-secondary education. This year students received a total of over $450,000 in scholarships. Among those awarded, one student received the Rigg Scholarship, which provides a full ride to attend Elizabethtown College (Etown). Two students also received scholarships from the WSFS CARES Foundation.
 
 
About Chester County Futures:
Chester County Futures is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive academic support, mentoring and scholarships for motivated underserved youth to succeed in school, higher education and life. For more information about CCF’s impact and programs, visit www.ccfutures.org.

Katie Breslin Duffus to join as the organization’s next Executive Director.
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​COATESVILLE, PENN., November 28, 2022 — Chester County Futures (CCF) has named Katie Breslin Duffus as the organization’s new Executive Director. Duffus’ background as an Executive Director and 25 years of working with nonprofits in areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility combined with her passion for promoting access to all will help to further advance the mission of the organization. “I am excited to join the CCF organization to help enrich the lives for the students and families of Chester County,” states Duffus.

​COATESVILLE, PENN., May 9, 2022 — Chester County Futures (CCF) announces its Executive Director, Ms. Maria McDonald, is stepping down from her position after 10 years of service to pursue a new and exciting opportunity outside of the region. The organization’s staff and Board of Directors have come together in appreciation and celebration of the profound impact her work has had on lives of the program’s students and the organization as a whole.