Bright Futures Workforce Program transitions from Upstate Colorado to the NCMC Foundation and The Weld Trust
Effective April 1, 2021, the Weld County Commissioners transitioned the management of the Bright Futures program from Upstate Colorado to the NCMC Foundation and The Weld Trust. The program, which was initiated in 2015 as a work force development program, will continue to provide tuition assistance to Weld County high school graduates, GED recipients, and honorably discharged veterans looking to pursue post-secondary education. The move fits directly with the mission of both The Weld Trust and NCMC Foundation, which includes promoting excellence in health and education in Weld County.
“This move is another step in the sustainability of Bright Futures for generations to come,” said Dale Hall, Chairman of the Bright Futures Board. “Combining forces with the NCMC Foundation and The Weld Trust strengthens the collaboration which has always been present across the county.”
County Commissioner Board Chair Steve Moreno affirmed, “The county has been dedicated to Bright Futures from day one. Moving the program was a strategic decision to maintain our long-term vision of building a stronger workforce for Weld County. Bright Futures’ parameters will remain the same with the support of The Weld Trust and the NCMC Foundation.”
As a part of the transition, the Bright Futures Workforce advisory committee, which will continue to provide oversite of the program, added two members from The Weld Trust executive team. Bright Futures Director, Sarah Rice, along with her team will continue to administer the program. Rice shared, “This is an exciting move for our program. Bright Futures will continue to serve Weld County students with tuition assistance while building strategic programs to align our students with the workforce for years to come. We are thrilled to be a part of The Weld Trust and NCMC Foundation.”
NCMC Foundation Board Chair Tom Grant stated, “Aligning Bright Futures with The Weld Trust and NCMC Foundation will strengthen the program’s fundraising goals and long-term sustainability. We are excited to welcome the Bright Futures program and continuing the program the Weld County Commissioners created for this community.”
“This program continues to put the region in a competitive position as we develop the next generation of workforce,” said Rich Werner, President and CEO of Upstate Colorado Economic Development. “The ability to execute on our long-term plan to build our workforce is enhanced with this partnership.”
The Bright Futures program, which serves approximately 1,100 Weld County students annually, relies on donations from businesses and individual donors from the community. The county encourages donations to the Bright Futures program by providing a property tax credit for Weld County portions to both businesses and individuals at 50% of any amount donated to the program. Applications for the fall semester are due on May 15th. For more information about Bright Futures or to donate to the program, please visit www.brightfuturesco.com.