PRESS RELEASE - HPLDF&F Receives $830,803 in Flagship Grant from The Weld Trust

The Flagship Grant from The Weld Trust is the final key to the multi-institution Weld County collaboration to bring workforce development and employment services to those who need it the most.

Greeley, CO - March 5th, 2025

HPLD Friends & Foundation (HPLDF&F) is proud to announce the procurement of their largest grant to date of $830,803 from The Weld Trust to fund a Mobile Workforce Unit (The Unit) for the High Plains Library District (The District) in collaboration with Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC). The Mobile Workforce Unit is a modern mobile education vehicle which will travel to existing and well known HPLD Outreach stops in rural Weld County to deliver tailored workforce resources, training, and expertise with ESWC staff.

HPLD Libraries have been spearheading the workforce development movement with job training and certification courses at no cost to our patrons. With the help of The Weld Trust, we are now able to partner with Employment Services and take these initiatives straight to the communities that need them the most.

“Workforce Development is a priority and a Key Funding Initiative of The Weld Trust. Being able to access resources to gain or enhance one’s employment is so important. We are delighted at the opportunity to address the needs of rural portions of our County with this critical service,” said Jeff Carlson, CEO of The Weld Trust.

This collaborative effort will address the needs of the unemployed and underserved for those who currently have barriers to accessing workforce development services from ESWC or HPLD libraries. All the resources provided at Employment Service office locations in Greeley and Fort Lupton will be available on the mobile unit in addition to HPLD’s library resources. This partnership accomplished our shared goal of long-term employment that offers a livable wage, financial stability, and career growth opportunities to every Weld County citizen.

“As Weld County’s population continues to grow there is an increased demand for human and library services in our community.” said Niamh Mercer, Foundation Director of HPLD Friends & Foundation. “With the generous support of The Weld Trust, we will be meeting our population where they are, and we can improve and create essential workforce skills and provide access to existing work opportunities that are currently out of reach for our workforce in isolated communities.”

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About HPLD Friends & Foundation

The High Plains Library District Friends & Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit established to support the High Plains Library District. The mission of the High Plains Library District Friends & Foundation is to build a community of library lovers through increased collaboration, philanthropy, volunteer engagement, awareness and advocacy for the libraries of the High Plains Library District.

About The Weld Trust

Through grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities, The Weld Trust® aims to positively impact the education and wellness of Weld County residents.

About High Plains Library District

The High Plains Library District serves almost 300,000 residents in Weld County and covers a geographic area of just under 4,000 square miles. HPLD currently includes seven branch libraries located in Erie, Firestone, Greeley, Evans and Kersey; Outreach Services including a Bookmobile, a Lobby Stop Van, and public computer centers; and six autonomous member libraries in Ault, Eaton, Fort Lupton, Hudson, Johnstown and Platteville. In 2023, HPLD provided 4,070 programs attended by 67,627 community members. The District’s county-wide presence ensures that library services and programs are delivered to patrons, no matter their location.

About Employment Services of Weld County

Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC) is a comprehensive workforce center which connects resources for employment, education, and training services. ESWC offers these services at the local, state, and national level and prides itself in offering self-service resources, promotion of personal and career development, furnishing access to internet tools for employment and training opportunities, and providing information about both local and regional employers, as well as other labor markets.