HomeMy WebLinkAbout20153680.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR COLORADO OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
INTITATIVE PROGRAM GRANT AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with an Application for the Colorado
Opportunity Scholarship Initiative Program Grant from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by
and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of
Finance and Administration, to the Colorado Department of Higher Education, commencing upon
the full execution of signatures, with further terms and conditions being as stated in said
application, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy
of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado,that the Application for the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative Program
Grant between the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County
Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Finance and Administration, to
the Colorado Department of Higher Education be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized
to sign said application.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 18th day of November, A.D., 2015.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COL RADO
ATTEST: Weigethiti Cg ,�,d! /G sided).
C1�o t.C arbara Kirkmeyer, Chair
Weld County Clerk to the Board
• �I�"'+� Mike Freeman, Pro-Tern
1 a,)plbty Clerk to the oar�l �► l
P. Conway
AP- - • ,EDAM = 'M: � `
a eszetic,
a A. Cozad
ounty attorney
��l$ Steve Moreno
Date of signature: 1
2015-3680
Le1A, 0-CCi, /°2//7 TR0029
OFFICE OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
1861 " PHONE: 970-336-7204
T/E4.477D..._p1:41.44N
FAX: 970-336-7233
"�' 1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GO � NTYGREELEY, COLORADO 80632
November 18,2015
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 Weld
County's Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative(COSI)Program grant application in the amount of$259,869.00.
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 when we saw an opportunity to support both residents and businesses through the Weld County Bright Futures Grant
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$259,869 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. We appreciate your
consideration for this program where together we can build Bright Futures for all of Weld County!
Sincerely,
BOARD OF COUNTY CO MISSIONERS
1111-34.'
- _ Barbara Kir yer,Cha.,
J2Q�t,
Mike Freeman,Pro Te Sean P.Conway
u ie Cozad -
Steve Moreno
cc: Don Warden
Step 1: Letter of Intent
Natiil'initimtire,►tall 111 your intent to apple'hy submitting the Letter of latent forth to:.sltrllrt'.hanliertt rlhe.stute.ro.us.
TO: Colorado Department of Higher Education
SUBJECT: Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative:
Matching Student Scholarship Grant Letter of Intent
Please be advised that Weld County (fiscal organization)intends to submit an
application for the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative Matching Student Scholarship Grant
on behalf of the following organizations or communities japplicant:list all counties,institutions of higher education,or
workforce development program partners involved in the application process):
Weld County Bright Futures Program under the administration of Weld County.
For county-based and institutional based grants only:
Support allowing(fiscal organizationl_Weld County
to apply for funding on behalf of(applicant)_Weld County Bright Futures Program_has been granted by
(Board of County Commissioners/institutional advisory board or other designated authority)
_Board of Weld County Commissioners
Authorized Representative's Signature:
Barbara Kirkmeyer, Chair, Board of Weld County Commissioners
Contact Person for the Proposal: Don Warden, Director Finance and Administration
Mailing Address: Weld County Finance and Administration, PO Box 758, Greeley, CO, 80632
Telephone: 970-356-4000 Extension 4218
Email: dwarden@co.weld.co.us
1
Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative—Matching Student Scholarship Grant Proposal FY 15-16
Application Materials
Step II: Proposal Introduction
Cover Page
(antplete the core,page, octal rtsstirante•s. Include these its the flat two,)i ec of roar application.
Applicant:
List County,Institution of Higher Name:
Education,or Workforce Development
Program X County 0 Institution of Higher Education 0 Workforce Development
Name of Fiscal Organization: Weld County (Weld County Bright Futures Program)
Authorized Representative: Barbara Kirkmeyer, Chair, Board of Weld County Commissioners
Mailing Address: PO Box 758, Greeley, CO 80632
Telephone: 970-356-4000 Extension 4200
Email: dwarden@ .we d.eo ,1 ontact person for the grant)
Signature:
Region: Indicate the regions) this proposal will directly impact.
❑ Metro ❑Pikes Peak ❑North Central ❑ Northwest ❑ West Central
❑ Southwest ❑ Southeast X Northeast
County-based grants and institutional grants:
X Support or authorization has been given to the fiscal organization to apply for funding on behalf of the
applicant. Support should be,from the Board of County Commissioners or institutional board.
Amount Requested: Indicate the total amount of funding you are requesting for FY 15-16.
Amount requested shall not be greater than publish annual allocation,but may be less based on fundraising capacity.
FY 15-16: $259,869.00 I(
Completing Application - Step III: Narrative (Not to exceed five (5) pages.)
Narrative
Describe your scholarship project using the following questions to guide your narrative. Narrative
should not exceed five (5)pages.
1. Fiscal or Administrative Partner
• Identify one foundation to serve as the fiscal and administrative partner, and describe
how this foundation will represent the community. For county-based applicants, a
letter of support from the Board of County Commissioners will be required as an
attachment to your application.
The Weld County Bright Futures program is a county based program that will be administer by
Weld County. The county has funded a budget of$143,000, and two staff members to administer
and promote the program. See letter of support from the Board of Weld County Commissioners.
2. Program or Project Request(approximately one (1)page)
• (a) Provide a summary of the plan for the scholarship program or project request.
Include the issue and/or opportunity addressed, goals and objectives, activities, and
timeline. (b) Explain why the organization is approaching the issue and/or
opportunity in this way.
The future of the local Weld County economy is dependent upon the development and
maintenance of a skilled and trained workforce that meets the needs of Weld employers. Our
ability to attract higher paying, more skilled positions is also dependent upon a higher skilled
workforce. Financial stipends provided through this program will make higher education
possible for more Weld residents and ultimately increase the overall educational attainment level
and our ability to attract/retain higher skilled jobs and company investment.
In order to enhance the contributions to the Weld County Bright Futures Program the county
along with other interested parties pursued a legislative change in the 2015 legislative session.
The legislative change in SB 15-82 put in place the necessary legislative authority to allow the
use of a 50% county property tax incentive payments or credits to taxpayers contributing to a
county workforce development fund (Weld County Bright Futures Scholarship Trust Fund) for
the purpose of providing financial assistance to high school graduates, GED recipients, and
veterans in Weld County who pursue post high school education or training from an accredited
higher education institution or certified training program.
Incentives are often necessary in order to attract contributed private resources for workforce
development. By providing such incentives they stimulate economic development in the county
and results in the creation and maintenance of new jobs. The purpose of this program is to allow
Weld County to use property tax incentive payments or credits to encourage matching private
contributions to help fund the Brighter Weld County Scholarship Program.
To start the funding of the program in the 2016 Weld County budget there is $15 million to be
transferred to the Weld County Bright Futures Tax Incentive Trust Fund to leverage $30 million
in contributions to the Weld County Bright Futures County Scholarship Trust Fund.
The eligibility criteria for the program are:
All students who graduate from high school starting in 2016, who are legally residing in Weld
County, and have been residents of Weld County at least two of the last four years; one of those
years being the year of graduation from high school. (Enrollment and residency must be
continuous.)
• "High School" means any public high school, charter school, private school, or home schooling
domiciled in Weld County.
• A Weld County resident graduating from high school outside of Weld County also qualifies.
• An individual earning a GED after January 1, 2016, in lieu of graduating from high school who
has resided in Weld County two years prior to the application date and one of those years being
the year of receiving a GED.
• Any Honorably Discharged Veteran who graduated from a Weld County high school since
2006 and currently resides in Weld County.
• Admitted to and enrolled at any higher education institution or certified training program.
• Must make regular progress toward a degree or certification.
• Must maintain a 2.0 grade point average at the post-secondary institution.
• Complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester to receive full benefit. A part-time
student may receive prorated benefit.
• If the GPA drops below 2.0, a student may be reinstated if he/she is able to bring their GPA
back to at least a 2.0
• There is no family income cap on the program.
3. Collaboration
• Describe the organization's most significant interactions with other organizations.
Address this question with respect to the scholarship program only.
Working in partnership with the private sector, Weld County is investing in the development of
the Weld labor force through the Weld County Bright Futures program. The Weld County
Bright Futures program is a collaborative effort with the county, Aims Community College, all
Weld County School Districts, municipalities, private sector, and veterans' organizations.
The Weld County Bright Futures Grant Program Advisory Board includes Weld County
residents who are excited to see this opportunity exist in our county and who are dedicated to
making sure the program is a success. The Board is comprised of over 20 members. The Weld
County Bright Futures Grant Program Advisory Board has members representing the county
geographically, with representatives from Upstate Colorado Economic Development, Weld
County Workforce Development Board, K-12 Weld County Superintendent of Schools, Aims
Community College financial aid professional, a tax attorney or CPA, higher education, schools
district superintendents, school counselors, veterans groups, business people, energy industry,
and agriculture industry. The Weld County Bright Futures program has sub-committees for
School Outreach, Promotion, Veterans, Appeals, and Financial Aid.
4. Project Planning and Sustainability
• Describe the challenges and opportunities facing the scholarship project in the next
three to five years.
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 when the County Commissioners saw an opportunity to support both residents and businesses
through the Weld County Bright Futures Grant Program, they knew it was the right thing to do.
In fact, they feel so strongly about this program they 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.
When taxpayers give to the Weld County Bright Futures Grant Program, they are not only taking
advantage of the Weld County property tax credit program, but also helping a high school
graduate or one of our veterans achieve their educational goal.
• Describe how the organization engages in planning and describe the focus of any
current planning efforts.
The Board of Weld County Commissioners has appointed the the Weld County Bright Futures
Grant Program Advisory Board that includes Weld County residents who are excited to see this
opportunity exist in our county and who are dedicated to making sure the program is a success.
The County Commissioners have funded two full time employees to administer the program. In
September Wed County purchased a software program, eScholarship, to support the
administration of the donation and the student scholarships or grants from application to payment
of the scholarships or grants to the institution they are attending.
Weld County has established a comprehensive website with information for donors, students,
parents, veterans, employers and citizens providing very specific details about the program in a
frequently asked question (FAQ) format. The website can be at:
www.weldcountybricihtfutures.com
There are sub-committees working on planning and execution of efforts regarding school
outreach to students, fund raising and promotion of the program, veterans outreach, and financial
aid all working to enhance the program and insure its success.
• Identify plan for sustainability of scholarship funds.
a
Members of the Board of Weld County Commissioners feel so strongly about this program that
they have included$15 million in the 2016 Weld County budget for property tax credits to
leverage $30 million in donations to this program. It is the intent of the Weld County
Commissioners to continue to fund this program long term. If the program is used as anticipated
by over half of the graduation high school population at a funding level of$3,000 per year per
student the funding will ramp up from $3 million per year the first year to approximately$9
million a year after four years. This would mean a county funding commitment of approximately
$5 million per year long term.
5. Fundraising Plans
• Identify fundraising plans to draw down matching scholarship initiative funds.
As indicated earlier the Weld County Commissioners have included $15 million in the 2016
Weld County budget for property tax credits to leverage $30 million in donations to this
program. There are a number of fundraising strategies being implemented for this program. On
October 30th over 300 community leaders attended a summit where the Weld County Bright
Futures was featured and discussed. The Promotions Sub-committee along with the County
Commissioners and other community leaders are contacting all major employers personally
seeking financial participation in this program. There is special marketing taking place that is
directed towards the energy industry in Weld County, where many have major energy
development facilities and investments.
In the 2016 Weld County property tax billings information about the program and solicitation of
donations by using the property tax credit will be included in every property tax bill. Schools are
sending information home to all parents informing them of the program and encouraging them to
also take advantage of the property tax credit and donate to the program. Finally, in December
there will be a Weld County Bright Futures Day where the media will be encouraging Weld
County residents to take advantage of the property tax credit and donate to the program.
The Weld County Bright Futures website has information directed at donors and allows donors
to make contributions on the website electronically.
6. Distribution of Funds and Budget Narrative
• Provide a narrative describing your plan for distribution of funds and describe how
the plan meets the allowable use of funds and guidelines as described in the Grant
Overview. When creating procedures for scholarship awarding, consider referencing
Council on Foundations, National Scholarship Providers Association and/or legal
counsel for more information on compliance.
Weld County Bright Futures clearly meets the allowable use of the funds and guidelines
described in the grant overview. Although the program provides funding to all eligible Weld
County high school graduates, GED, and veterans as outlined above the program will be able to
identify those students whose income is determined to be between 0% and 250% of the
maximum permissible income for the purpose of determining eligibility for Pell grants through
our software used to administer the program, eScholarship. Of the over 1,000 estimated
recipients it is anticipated that many more than the 200 plus that would be getting matching
funds through Weld County Bright Futures and COSI would meet the criteria. A separate
accounting will be done for all students receiving matching COSI funds to provide the necessary
information to audit the funds to insure COSI program compliance.
• Identify a partnering student support program.
The program is reaching out to the institutions where the Weld County Bright Futures students
will be attending to identify student mentoring and support programs. Once the Weld County
Bright Futures program gets some experience it is hoped that the program will develop its own
mentoring program made up of Weld County Bright Futures graduates and upper class students.
Since the Weld County Bright Futures is new this year the student support program will be an
evolving component of the Weld County Bright Futures the first few years.
• Include a brief budget narrative to describe how many students will be served, the
average award amount and the expected longevity of funds. Scholarships should not
be intended to supplant federal, state, local or non-federal funds. Scholarships should
be significant gap support grants intended to close the affordability gap for students
pursuing postsecondary credentials. Only a budget narrative is required for the
proposal, but a final budget worksheet will be requested after award is made.
The program is anticipating approximately 1,000 students the first year with each receiving a
maximum of$3,000 per year for a total of$3 million. The required funding will ramp up from
$3 million per year the first year to approximately $9 million a year after four years. This would
mean a commitment of approximately $5 million per year long term. In addition the county is
funding separately $143,000 for administration and promotion of the program.
• Briefly address how the scholarship program will support the Colorado Department
of Higher Education's goal of reducing the"attainment gap"by half by 2020.
Weld County's population is nearly 30% Hispanic, so our schools have a high percentage of
Hispanic minority students. Weld County Bright Futures will allow these students to receive
funding to pursue post high school education or training from an accredited higher education
institution or certified training program. It will allow them and all students the opportunity to
receive financial support from the Weld County Bright Futures program whether they have a
dream of being a doctor, teacher, chef, or plumber. The $3,000 per year is targeted at the tuition
cost of Aims Community College, so hopefully it will remove the financial barrier of getting an
associate degree or completing a certified training program at a minimum to reduce the
"attainment gap" of these students in Weld County, so they can become a trained, skilled, and
productive members of the Weld County workforce.
7. Include any additional information that is relevant to your proposal. Please do not include
brochures, annual reports, images or videos. Including these things could make your
application too large to be sent or received by email.
To view a comprehensive overview of the Weld County Bright Futures program go the website
at: www.weldcountybrightfutures.corn
Step II: Proposal Introduction
Assurances
Complete the cover page,and assurances. Include these as the first two pages of your application.
On November 18,2015, the appointed representative of Weld County Bright Futures Program
hereby agrees to the following assurances:
1. The Grantee will annually provide DHE with evaluation information.
2. The Grantee will work with and provide requested data to DHE for the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship
Initiative Scholarship Grant within the time frames specified in the Data Use Agreement between Grantee and
State,to be executed simultaneously with the final Grant Agreement.
3. During year one,the Grantee's grant manager will participate in a mandatory one-day review of grant goals.
4. The Grantee will not discriminate against anyone regarding race,gender,national origin,color,disability,or
age.
5. That Grant Funds will be used to provide tuition assistance dollars as defined in Grant Agreement and Grant
Funds will be administered by the appropriate fiscal agent.
a. Grant Funds must only be used for Colorado students whose income is determined to be between 0 and
250%of the maximum permissible income for the purpose of determining eligibility for Pell grants
and participate in a rigor-based student success program.
b. Grant Funds may only be used for students attending Colorado public institutions of higher education.
6. That funded projects will maintain appropriate fiscal and program records and that fiscal audits of this program
will be conducted by the Grantee as a part of its regular audits.
7. That if any findings of misuse of these Grant Funds are discovered,Grant Funds will be returned to DHE.
8. The Grantee will maintain sole responsibility for the project even though Subgrantees may be used to perform
certain services.
9. The Grantee will comply with any applicable state and federal rules and regulations governing the distribution
of scholarships.
10. Designated staff members will attend two,one-day leadership and best-practices symposia during each calendar
year of the grant cycle.
11. Project modifications and changes in the approved budget must be requested in writing and be approved in
writing by DHE before modifications are made to the expenditures.Please contact Shelley Woodson Banker
(shellev.bankerna,dhe.state.co.us,303-974-2673)prior to making any modifications to the approved budget.
The Colorado Department of Higher Education may terminate a grant award upon thirty(30)days notice if it is
deemed by CDHE that the applicant is not fulfilling the requirements of the funded program as specified in the
approved project application,or if the program is generating less than satisfactory results.
All funding for the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative Matching Scholarship Grant will be contingent upon
annual appropriations by the State Legislature and any other further discretion at the jurisprudence of the grantor.
The purpose of the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative is to encourage new philanthropic giving,and future
sustainability plans without this grant funding should be shown in submitted proposals.
Barbara Kirkmeyer,Chair,Board of Weld County
Commissioners
Name of Appointed Authorized Representative Signature of App inted Authorized Representative
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