The Bright Futures program is a unique tuition assistance opportunity for Weld County residents. The program provides scholarships for Weld County High School graduates and honorably discharged veterans. It was initiated in 2015 by the Weld County Commissioners as a workforce development program. Bright Futures serves approximately 1,200 students annually with up to $2,000 of tuition assistance per year for four years. Since its inception, the program has assisted over 6,000 Weld County students with over $17 million in grants.
Bright Futures supports Weld County students, their families, residents, and the business community. The tuition stipend alleviates some of the financial burden of post-secondary education. These grants may also encourage students to consider a higher education degree or certification who might otherwise have thought it was too costly. “Increasing the number of individuals with higher education or trade certifications creates a stronger workforce in Weld County,” said Bright Futures Director, Sarah Rice. “This ultimately builds a strong foundation for a stable economy. It’s beneficial for all of Weld County.”
The Bright Futures students are provided a hand-up through the program, not a hand-out. These students are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain eligible. They also must complete 16 hours of volunteer service each year. “We want our students giving back while receiving this financial benefit,” Rice said. “It’s essential students learn the importance of taking care of the community we all call home.”
Earlier this year, the Bright Futures program moved from Upstate Colorado to the North Colorado Medical Center Foundation (NCMC Foundation). The mission of this organization is to promote excellence in health and education in Weld County. “The transition of Bright Futures to the NCMC Foundation positions it for sustainability for generations to come,” said Jeff Carlson, Chief Executive Officer for NCMC Foundation. “The continued support and guidance from our Board of Directors and staff will ensure the Bright Futures program fulfills the vision of a workforce development program created by the County Commissioners.”
The success of the Bright Futures program continues to rely on donations from individuals and businesses in Weld County. The Weld County Commissioners encourage donations by providing donors with a 50% Weld County property tax credit on any amount donated to the program. To donate or learn more about Bright Futures, please visit www.brightfuturesco.com.
