A group of five young students walking on a school campus during sunset, wearing backpacks.
Illustration of a person walking along a dashed line path toward a shining sun, representing a journey or path to success.

Opening Doors To A Brighter Path For The Future.

Bright Path’s mission is to open doors to education by removing barriers and creating a supportive environment where students and their families can thrive, embrace their journey, and dream without limits.

Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, many kids in our communities lack the basic means to succeed in their education and growth. One day, our path crossed with a student in need, and we knew we couldn’t turn away and ignore that need. So, we stepped in to help meet others in creating a brighter path for him as well as other kids with similar barriers to education! When we saw the positive impact of what to us was a simple action, we realized we had truly been given a purpose to do so much more for others like him. In quite a serendipitous way, we started to make connections with others who were hearing that same call. So we invited them to join us!

Since its official founding in 2026 as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, Bright Path Nonprofit has met the needs of over 76 students and their families through volunteering, fundraising events, and donation efforts. We have big plans to grow that number of students in the years to come! We look forward to partnering with you to create a lasting impact for the future!

A graphic showing a white dashed line path with a sun at the end.
Three people standing together, with a decorated Christmas tree in the background. The person on the left is dressed as Santa Claus, the person in the middle has a holiday-themed face emoji, and the person on the right is wearing a red sweater with a black bow design.

We partner with community members who are close to students' needs and know exactly what they need to make their futures brighter!

Meet our Board

  • Teri Erickson Smith

    Teri Erickson Smith

    PRESIDENT & FOUNDER

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  • Mary Papageorgiou McGrath

    Mary Papageorgiou McGrath

    VICE PRESIDENT

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  • Stephanie Harris

    Stephanie Harris

    TREASURER

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  • Bella Wilkes

    Bella Wilkes

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

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  • Sarith Golden

    Sarith Golden

    DIRECTOR OF CREATIVITY

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  • Calvin Smith

    Calvin Smith

    SECRETARY

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Illustration of a yellow pencil with an eraser, writing on a white envelope, surrounded by several other white envelopes, all on a black background.

Letters From Bright Path Students

A handwritten note on lined paper with hearts and a drawing of a Santa hat at the bottom. The note expresses gratitude to Santa for a gift.
Handwritten letter on lined paper thanking Santa, with a drawing of a red and white Santa hat at the bottom.
A handwritten Christmas card with the words 'Santa Claws' in red and green letters, decorated with holly leaves, red berries, and drawings of Santa's hat and a mitten.

Each year, we look forward to visiting students in need during the holiday season!

Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with their elves, come bearing gifts and lots of joy to brighten students' paths during the holidays.

Contact us below, sign up for our newsletter, or visit our Donate page if you’d like to learn how to get involved during this and other Bright Path Nonprofit events!

-for the privacy of students and families, names have been removed-

Group of children and adults celebrating Christmas with Santa Claus in a room decorated for the holidays. Everyone is smiling and holding gift bags or presents, with a large illustrated Christmas scene on the TV screen behind them.

Join Us In Making a Lasting Impact

Interested in getting involved? Have questions? Contact us!