Welcome to Shaping Bright Futures
At Shaping Bright Futures, we believe education is a powerful tool for change. Located in San Diego, CA, our nonprofit focuses on creating opportunities and breaking down barriers to education for students worldwide. Discover how your support can help foster hope and transform lives.
Who we are
Our Story
Mathew Riek, one of the founders of Shaping Bright Futures, is a visionary leader with a compelling story. Fleeing from Sudan as a young boy, he became one of the Lost Boys of Sudan and later dedicated his life to rebuilding his community through education. His personal journey inspires our work and commitment.
Our Team
At Shaping Bright Futures, our mission is to provide educational opportunities for underserved communities. We believe that access to quality education can transform lives and build stronger societies. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to support children and families in need.
Our Vision
Our Vision
We operate both locally and internationally to support students in in underserved areas. From supplying students school supplies in San Diego, CA to offering scholarships to Southern Sudanese students in Uganda, our initiatives are designed to support growth and opportunity.
Our Programs
South Sudan School
The primary goal of Shaping Bright Futures is to help Mathew achieve his dream of building a school for the children in his home village in South Sudan. Even though this area is currently in conflict, we are still raising money and making plans in hopes of one day moving forward to build this beautiful school.
Scholarships
Shaping Bright Futures offers scholarships to students who have fled South Sudan to neighboring countries like Uganda and Kenya. These students are pursuing Bachelor degrees at various universities.
Local Outreach
SBF strives to bring awareness to the educational disparities found around the world by visiting schools and sharing Mathew's story. In addition, we partner with a local organizations to meet the needs of those who are recently located to San Diego from East African countries and help provide school supplies, food assistance, and toys for children during our annual Toy Drive in December.
Informational Sessions
Are you interested in learning more about how your small, caring actions can change a life of someone around the world? Representatives from SBF are available to speak with schools, groups, or clubs and share Mathew's story and SBF's mission to offer educational opportunities to people in need. Call and schedule today!
Latest news
Order Your Copy!
Discover Mathew’s Incredible Journey!
Shaping Bright Futures is thrilled to share At Least I Wasn’t Eaten by a Lion, a children’s book that brings Mathew’s remarkable story to life. Follow Mathew from tending cows in his village in Sudan, to walking 1,000 miles to escape war, to finding his place in America. Paired with stunning illustrations by talented artist, Miriam Winters, this inspiring story of resilience and hope is a must-read for children and families alike.
Join us on our mission to offer bright futures to everyone!
Shaping Bright Futures is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and donations may be tax deductible.