Weld County Scholarships: Opportunities for a Brighter Future

Weld County offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for students pursuing higher education and professional development. These scholarships aim to support students financially and contribute to the growth and vitality of the Weld County community. A true community is more than a place where people live, it's about helping each other succeed. These scholarships are one way to make Weld a better place and strengthen the community.

General Scholarship Opportunities

The Weld Community Foundation plays a significant role in connecting students with scholarship opportunities. Last year, thanks to donor generosity, 165 scholarships were awarded through the Foundation, totaling over $570,000. The Weld Community Foundation awarded more than 160 scholarships totaling $585,310 to local students at its annual Scholarship Reception.

Applying for Scholarships through the Weld Community Foundation

The Community Foundation offers a streamlined application process. The main application can be used for many of the available scholarships, making it easier for students to apply. The 2026 Community Foundation Scholarship Application is due January 29, 2026. It's recommended to review all scholarships available from the Community Foundation to understand specific criteria. Scholarship criteria and award amounts are subject to change, so it's important to stay updated.

Additional Opportunities with Distinctive Criteria

Beyond the primary application, there are scholarships available for students with specific criteria. These opportunities cater to diverse fields of study and backgrounds.

Weld Legacy Foundation Scholarships for Health Education

As part of its ongoing commitment to health education, Weld Legacy Foundation awards approximately $100,000 annually in scholarships to individuals in the community and employees of North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC). To date, Weld Legacy Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to over 375 students and professionals in the healthcare field. Some of these individuals have remained in Greeley and work as part of the staff at NCMC; other recipients have chosen different paths.

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Specific Nursing Scholarships

Several nursing scholarships are available through the Weld Legacy Foundation, supporting students at various stages of their education:

The Mildren S. Hansen Nursing Program Scholarship: This two-year scholarship covers the cost of in-state tuition, books, fees, and a stipend for living expenses. It is awarded annually to a student who already has a bachelor’s degree and is pursuing either a Bachelor of Science Degree who has met the prerequisite requirements and been accepted in the nursing program and is pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing Degree, Nurse Practitioner Degree, or other related advanced nursing degree at the University of Northern Colorado.
The Nurse Education Tuition Assistance Scholarship: This scholarship provides payment of tuition up to $1,500 per semester for up to five semesters. It is awarded annually to a student who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree who has met the prerequisite requirements and been accepted into an accredited nursing program operating in Colorado. Recipients of this scholarship are encouraged to work for North Colorado Medical Center upon completion of their degree.
The Belle Marquand Loustalet Memorial Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship was established by her late son, Mike, and his wife, Marilynn, in memory of his mother.
The Gerald Rennels Nursing Tuition Assistance Scholarship: This scholarship provides payment of tuition up to $2,500 for one semester. It is awarded annually to a student who is pursuing either a Bachelor of Science Degree who has met the prerequisite requirements and been accepted in the nursing program, or Master of Science in Nursing Degree, Nurse Practitioner Degree, or other related advanced nursing degrees. Recipients of this scholarship must be North Colorado Medical Center employees, with special consideration made for applicants working within or planning to work within the oncology specialty.
George A. Coleman and Beverly A. Peratino Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship was established by Beverly A. Peratino, RN, in 2014. Scholarship is awarded to an individual who has met the prerequisite requirements and been accepted into the Aims Community College Dual Enrollment Nursing Program in conjunction with the University of Northern Colorado and seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.
The Lily E. Widney Memorial Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship is available to assist a North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) employee who has worked at NCMC for at least 90 days in obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. Applicant must have met the prerequisite requirements and been accepted into an accredited nursing school program. This award serves to recognize an individual making an important contribution to NCMC while simultaneously pursuing a nursing degree.

Scholarships for Other Healthcare Professionals

Weld Legacy Foundation also offers scholarships for individuals pursuing other healthcare-related fields:

The Henneck Family Scholarship: This scholarship was established by Paul and Mary Henneck for ancillary department staff to provide a one-time scholarship for those seeking continuing education or certification within their field. Ancillary staff include laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy technicians, physical and occupational therapists, care coordinators and social workers, dietary/food nutrition services, environmental services, medical records/HIMS, billing, coding, security, business associates.
NCMC Volunteers Scholarship: This scholarship is available to assist any resident of Weld County in obtaining certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant through the Nurse Aide Certification program offered at Aims Community College. This scholarship, established by the NCMC Volunteers, includes course tuition, certification testing fee, books, and medical equipment required for course work.
The Allied Health Professional and Emergency Medical Services Scholarship: This scholarship provides payment of tuition up to $1,000 per semester for up to two semesters. It is available to individuals who have met the prerequisite requirements and been accepted into an Allied Health Professional or Emergency Medical Services Degree program or are completing an Allied Health Professional or Emergency Medical Services Certificate through courses offered at Aims Community College.
The Surgical Tech Scholarship: This scholarship provides payment of tuition up to $1,000 per semester for up to two semesters. It is available to individuals who have met the prerequisite requirements and been accepted into a Surgical Technology program through courses offered at Aims Community College to obtain an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology Degree. Recipients of this scholarship are encouraged to work for North Colorado Medical Center upon completion of their degree.
David E. Bates, MD Memorial Award: This award was established through memorial contributions from numerous donors in his memory.
Dr. Sam Widney Memorial Award: This award was established through gifts from the Widney Family.
The Florence Winograd Educational Scholarship: This award was established by Florence in honor of the care her late husband received at North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC). The award serves to recognize and reward a group of individuals at NCMC who exemplify teamwork.

Weld County Sheriff's Office Scholarship

The Weld County Sheriff’s Office awards an annual scholarship to one deserving Weld County student who intends on pursuing a degree in higher education. The scholarship application must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation by a teacher or counselor from the applicant’s school and an official certified scholastic transcript. The competitive selection process is based GPA, student’s need, and community involvement. “Awarding this scholarship to a Weld County student that values and strives for a higher education is just one way we can give back to our local youth.

Bright Futures Program

The Bright Futures program was designed with one objective in mind-strengthening the vitality of the Weld County community through its workforce. By nurturing and supporting our young generation, we are building a strong foundation for a stable economy. Understanding the importance of trade skills as well as academic skills, the Board of Commissioners designed the program to financially assist students who pursue post-secondary education or training from an accredited higher-education institution or certified training program. Veterans, after 2016. There are no restrictions concerning program selection.

The Importance of Community Support

Even though much of Weld County has the financial means to succeed, some of our neighbors are facing more challenging circumstances. While only 8% of residents live below the poverty line, in east Greeley and Evans, that rate jumps to over 20%, with one in three children in a household challenged by poverty. Scholarships and financial aid programs play a crucial role in ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals.

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While physical activity is a necessity for physical and mental health, recreation activities are one of the first expenses to be cut by families that are finding it difficult to make ends meet. When youth participate in physical activity they experience better physical and mental health outcomes.

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