The members of the Weld County Bright Futures Board of Directors met in August to discuss the Bright Futures scholarship and shortcomings in its budget for continued success. For the past several years, students have received up to $3,000 to go toward their schooling at any college they wish to attend. However, the requirements for the scholarship has changed according to a statement on the scholarship’s website.

Now the Bright Futures scholarship will let students receive up to $2,000 per year. To receive this money, however, students will have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) annually. Students will receive the $2,000 if they start attending college right out of high school. If students do not start college within two years they have been out of high school, they will not receive the money. To qualify for the Bright Futures scholarship, students will also need to participate in 16 hours of community service in Weld County every year.

“I like that Bright Futures added a community service element because as Bright Futures wants to give to our students, it is also hoping that our students want to give back to our community,” assistant principal Ms. Amy Zulauf stated.

Senior David Adams, is looking at going to a trade school to study auto-mechanics when he graduates in May. “I am not looking into applying for the Bright Futures scholarship because I do not want to do the 16 hours of community service every year. I do not want to go into trade school right out of college, I’m just going with wherever life takes me.”

When senior Caleb Hardy, was asked about the Bright Futures scholarship, Hardy wasn’t aware such a thing even existed.  After hearing a brief explanation, he said he’d still be interested despite the change. “I am planning on attending UNC next year so even though the requirements for the scholarship have changed, I am still interested in applying,” Hardy said.

Senior, Jorge Gordo, has also been thinking about going to college, however Gordo is not 100% sure. “I would like to look more into the scholarship now and look at all of the requirements before choosing my next step after high school,” Gordo said.