From PCAT Student to Proud Alumna: Frances’s Story

For Frances, PCAT was more than an after-school program. It was a place where learning felt exciting, new opportunities became possible, and the people around her felt like family.

Looking back on her years at PCAT, one of the things Frances remembers most is how different the experience felt from a traditional classroom.

“PCAT was very fun. It was like I had family there.”

But the impact extended far beyond having a place to learn after school.

Frances says PCAT helped her begin to see possibilities beyond what she knew at the time. Through the program, she was exposed to new experiences and opportunities—including the chance to visit colleges and begin imagining what her own future might look like.

With financial support provided through PCAT, Frances was able to travel to Louisiana to visit several colleges and later travel to Tallahassee to visit Florida A&M University.

Those experiences stayed with her.

“PCAT made me realize there is more than just where I am now.”

Today, Frances is moving on to high school, but her connection to PCAT remains strong. She returned for a PCAT graduation celebration not as one of the students graduating, but as an alumna cheering on the younger children following behind her.

Watching them celebrate their own accomplishments brought back memories of the program she says she wishes she could still attend.

“I just wish I could go back to the PCAT days.”

Her message to the students was filled with pride, encouragement and a sense that PCAT will always be part of her story.

“I am your PCAT alumni, and I love you guys.”

Frances's journey represents what PCAT strives to create: not simply stronger students today, but young people who can see more possibilities for tomorrow—and who remain connected to the community that helped them discover those possibilities.