Youth Recreation Scholarships

Funder: United Way of Weld County Inc, with support from The Weld Trust and local donors
Geographic Scope: Weld County, Colorado (multiple municipal and nonprofit recreation programs)

United Way of Weld County invests $60,000 annually in recreation scholarship funding to support youth access to sports and wellness activities throughout Weld County. These scholarships help eliminate financial barriers for over 1,000 young people, ensuring they can participate in programs that build confidence, promote physical health, and create a sense of belonging.

What Scholarships Cover

All funds are used to directly offset:

• Registration fees
• Participation fees
• Sports program costs
• Enrichment and wellness programs

Participating Recreation Programs (15 recipients)

1. Carbon Valley Parks & Recreation District
2. City of Evans Recreation
3. City of Fort Lupton Recreation
4. City of Greeley Recreation
5. Eaton Area Park & Recreation District
6. Highland Recreation Association
7. LaSalle Recreation
8. Platteville Recreation
9. Rebels Youth Athletics
10. Thompson Rivers Parks & Recreation District
11. Town of Erie
12. Town of Kersey
13. Town of Mead Recreation
14. Town of Windsor Parks, Recreation & Culture
15. Town of Windsor PRC for Severance

Impact

• Direct reach: Over 1,000 young people annually
• Barrier elimination: Removes financial obstacles to participation
• Community benefit: Helps eligible programs serve families with financial need

Funding Sources

• The Weld Trust (substantial support)
• Local donors and partners
• United Way of Weld County

Selection Criteria for Recreation Programs

Each recipient recreation program demonstrates:

• Strong commitment to serving youth from families with financial need
• Ability to directly apply funds to participant fee offsets
• Service delivery capacity

Benefits to Participants

• Improved physical health and reduced obesity risk
• Development of social skills and teamwork
• Sense of belonging and community
• Increased confidence and engagement
• Better academic performance (documented outcomes)
• Foundation for lifelong wellness habits

Community Impact Statement

These scholarships are identified as crucial investments in breaking the cycle of poverty and providing opportunities for youth development. They contribute to United Way's broader "Thrive by 25" initiative, connecting youth to caring adults and ensuring successful pathways to adulthood.

Application Process

Youth apply directly to their local municipal or nonprofit recreation program, not to United Way. Each of the 15 participating recreation programs administers scholarships to eligible participants in their service areas.

How to Access Scholarships

1. Contact your local recreation program from the list of 15 participating agencies
2. Inquire about scholarship availability for your youth's desired activity
3. Complete program-specific application and financial verification process
4. Recreation programs determine eligibility and award scholarships directly

Eligibility (as Determined by Local Programs)

• Youth from families with demonstrated financial need
• Participation in programs offered by recipient recreation agency
• Residency in served community/district

Contact for General Information

Lyle SmithGraybeal, Chief Operating Officer
United Way of Weld County
Email: Lyle@UnitedWay-Weld.org
Phone: 970-304-6163

Note: Specific application processes, deadlines, and forms are managed by individual recreation programs, not United Way directly.