HomeMy WebLinkAbout20183216.tiffOFFICE OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-336-7204
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
October 2, 2018
Shelley Woodson Banker
Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative Program
Colorado Department of Higher Education
1560 Broadway, Suite1600
Denver, Colorado 80203
Dear Ms. Woodson Banker:
Please allow this letter to serve as the required letter of support from the Board of Weld County Commissioners for the Greeley -
Weld Urban Enterprise Zone Fund's Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) Program grant application for Weld
County in the amount of $276,714. The Greeley -Weld Urban Enterprise Zone Fund will be the fiscal agent and administrator of
the Weld County Bright Futures Program.
When you think of the greatest resources found in Weld County, you might think of agriculture or energy production. While we
value those resources immensely, we know the greatest resources we have are the people who call Weld County home. So, in
2015 when we saw an opportunity to support both residents and businesses through the Weld County Bright Futures Program,
we knew it was the right thing to do. In fact, we feel so strongly about this program we approved the dedication of $15 million
to the fund in 2016.
Through this program, students will further their education, businesses and residents will receive a property tax credit toward
their taxes, and our overall county workforce will be better trained and skilled.
The program is simple. Set up as a workforce development fund, the Weld County Bright Future Grant Program is a tuition
assistance program for Weld County high school graduates, GED recipients and Honorably Discharged U.S. Veterans and is
funded by donations from taxpayers who receive tax incentive payments or credits for their contribution. The program in its
second year is already funding scholarships for over 2,000 students seeking post high school training or education.
The $276,714 COSI grant amount will be matched by donations from the taxpayers of Weld County contributing to the Weld
County Bright Futures Grant Program to assist student meeting the COSI guidelines. Between 2016-2018 the program has
raised nearly two million dollars in private donations. We appreciate your consideration for this program where together we can
build Bright Futures for all of Weld County!
Barbara Kirkmeyer, Pro
Julie A. Cozad
c: Don Warden
Renee Fielder
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Sincerely,
BOARD OF CC0U TY COMMISSIONERS
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Steve Moreno, Chair
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Sean P. Conway
Mike Freeman
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