When Jontae Burton applied to Partnership for the Future (PFF) as a freshman at Henrico High School, he admitted, “I had no idea what my future would look like and knew nothing of the college admissions process.” As a first-generation college student and the eldest of three boys growing up in the Richmond area, Jontae was stepping into uncharted territory.
His path to college was shaped by uncertainty, especially when his senior year was upended by the global pandemic. What he didn’t know at the time was that his journey would become a legacy – changing not only his life but also the lives of his brothers. “Partnership for the Future changed my life, and I’m eternally grateful,” Jontae said. “Not only am I a first-generation college graduate, but I will also be the first lawyer in my family.”
PFF was founded in 1994 by Alan Kirshner who sought to close the opportunity gap that exists for many low-income, high-achieving students. He also wanted to illustrate what’s possible when those with the least have access to the most. Through one-on-one mentorship, paid internships, college planning, and cultural enrichment, the organization opens doors that once seemed out of reach for many.
Students enter the program in high school where PFF partners monitor students’ grades, oversee their volunteer and extracurricular activities, and assist with developing their work experience. Students also receive assistance applying to colleges and for financial aid. In 2024 alone, PFF graduates earned over $20 million in scholarships, with many heading to college with low to no projected student loan debt. PFF partners continue to provide support through college and early career development through college visits and check-ins on students’ progress.
Thanks to PFF’s support, Jontae earned admission to George Washington University, where he graduated summa cum laude and debt-free – a remarkable accomplishment for any student, let alone one navigating college during a pandemic.
Jontae’s story doesn’t end with his success. His middle brother Jonah is now a rising junior at James Madison University on a full-ride Centennial Scholarship, while their youngest brother Josiah is on track to complete the PFF program in 2026. The Burton brothers are the only siblings in PFF history to receive the Kirshner Scholarship, the organization’s highest honor awarded to students who exemplify leadership, integrity, and service.
Now in law school, Jontae continues to give back. Last fall, he served as a mentor through PFF’s GUIDES program, which pairs college graduates with high school seniors navigating college admissions. His mentee Christin Duval will attend the University of Virginia this fall and was awarded over $1 million in scholarships. Jontae epitomizes the notion of lifting while you climb. He didn’t just blaze a trail; he built a bridge for others to cross.
How You Can Help
To support Partnership for the Future, consider becoming a GUIDE mentor, hosting a student intern, or donating to help close the opportunity gap for first-generation students. For more information, visit their website or call 804-527-7938.
