The URL can be used to link to this page

Browse Search

Home My WebLink About20173077.tiffOFFICE OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PHONE: 970-336-7204 FAX: 970-336-7233 1150 O STREET P.O. BOX 758 GREELEY, COLORADO 80632 September 22, 2017 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 $283,744. 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 $283,744 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. In 2016 and 2017 the program has raised nearly a million dollars each year in private donations. We appreciate your consideration for this program where together we can build Bright Futures for all of Weld County! ( '2/4.) Steve Moreno, Pro Tern Mike Freeman c: Don Warden C.orY1Mvnt Cats dnS 1OIa/17 Sincerely, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS lie A. Cozad, Chair 1- l an P. Conway arbara Kirkmeyer ©L -x-3077 TBOoaq Hello