COMMISSIONERS PROCLAIM DECEMBER 1 WELD COUNTY BRIGHT FUTURES DAY

WELD COUNTY, CO – The Weld County Board of Commissioners is proud to proclaim Tuesday, December 1, 2015 , as Weld County Br ight Futures Day. T he commissioners would like to encourage Weld County residents , property owners and businesses to donate to t he Weld County Bright Futures Grant Program on this day to demonstrate their commitment to building a strong Weld County work force.

“ The Commissioners are asking our citizens to come together and invest back into our community by making an donation on December 1 ,” said Commissioner Chair Barbara Kirkmeyer. “ The Board is committed to growing and strengthening Weld County ’s work force, and it is our hope residents, businesses and property owners will j oin us by contributing to the grant program.”

The Weld County Bright Futures Grant Program is a first – in tuition assistance program for post – secondary education from an accredited institution or certified training program. All students who graduate from high school starting in 2016 , are eligible for the grant program . A n individual earning a GED after January 1, 2016, is also eligible as well as any honorably discharged veteran who graduated from a Weld County high school since 2006 and currently resides in the county.

“Each dollar you give helps a student pursue their dream of achieving an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, or train to become a welder, ch ef, electrician, or veterin ary technician, ” said Commissioner Pro – Tem Mike Freeman. “When creating this program, it was very important to the Board to be able to assist all types of higher education and training , not just a Bachelor’s degree .”

Earlier this fall , the Board announce d they will dedicate $15 million from the 2016 budget to the grant fund, and each commissioner personally donated $500.00 to the fund during the kick – off event on September 1, 2015 . When giving a donation, We ld County properties owners receive a property t ax credit in addition to S tate and F ederal income tax deduction s . While n on – Weld County residents and non – property owners will not receive a property tax credit for their donation , they will still be eligible for S tate and Federal income tax deductions .

“This program is a win – win – win situation for everyone,” said Commissioner Sean Conway. “Not only do students and families benefit by receiving tuition assistance but also donors who may receiv e a property tax credit . Weld County benefits overall by strengt hening our workforce and attracting new businesses.”

“ The Board is very excited to be able to offer the Bright Futures program to graduating seniors, GED recipients and veterans ,” said Commissioner Julie Cozad. “ Weld County is passionate about giving back to their veterans , and this program is another way to accomplish that.”

“Bright Futures gives donors a chan ce to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Commissioner Steve Moreno. “Post – secondary education may not have been an option for some people without the help of this tuition assistance program.”

For more information about the Weld County Bright Futures Grant Program, visit

and like the Weld County Facebook Page , at

to learn more about Weld County Bright Futures Day.