Scholarships available for kids, families for recreation programs

Apply online or register to attend workshops in December and January. Get help applying for scholarships and hardship waivers covering 50-100% of program fees.

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Berkeleyans of lower incomes who are interested in recreation programs for their kids or even a High Sierras camp for their whole family can apply to get half or all of the fees waived. We'll also help you apply.

These fee waivers, which you can obtain by applying online, include possible programs for kids such as:

• A day camp with as many as four different sports
• After-school academic support and activities
• A skateboard camp to learn the basics - or advanced tricks
• A day camp exploring and learning about native habitats

These scholarships can cover half or all of the fees for households earning between $54,400 and $144,000, depending on family size. Even if your household's income exceeds those limits, you may still qualify for a hardship exemption.

Apply online for a new or renewal scholarship. Staff will help you apply at upcoming "scholarship support" workshops on the evening of December 11, December 18; January 8; or January 22.

After you register for any one of those three options, staff will contact you to answer questions and guide you through the process.

Register in advance for "Scholarship Support" Workshops

If you need assistance with your online application, join us at an in-person workshop. We'll use these sessions to show you available programs and help you complete your application.

We will have light refreshments and childcare available.

Recreation scholarships are intended to reduce some of the financial barriers to our recreation programs. The guidelines are based on income:

• 50% fee waivers for household incomes ranging from $76,300 (1 person) to $144,000 (8 people).
• 100% fee waivers for incomes from $54,400 (1 person) to $102,800 (8 people).

Hardship waivers address financial challenges beyond income limits and are evaluated on a case by case basis.

If you're unsure whether your specific income is covered, start by registering for a workshop. You'll need to create a login on our Recreation portal.

Our staff will help clarify eligibility guidelines and ensure your application is complete before submission.

Prepare the required paperwork

To qualify for recreation scholarships, come with the following documents to prove your residency, income, and, for first time applicants, proof of guardianship.

• Residency: utility bill or driver's license.
• Income: tax returns, pay stubs, Social Services or Social Security award letters, profit and loss statements, student loan or grant documentation, or an affidavit.
• Guardianship (for first time applicants): birth certificate or other court documentation for each child.

View the detailed list of accepted documents. For questions, email [email protected] or call (510) 981-5150.

Expanding Recreation access to low-income residents

The City of Berkeley's scholarship program helps low-income residents access recreation and enrichment opportunities that support wellness and equity.

Scholarships are awarded and renewed for every new calendar year. We spread scholarships to as many households as possible, so you may not get every program you want.

By addressing barriers like cost, the City is working to expand programs that benefit Berkeley families and foster community well-being.

These efforts are led by the City's Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department, which offers a variety of camps, classes, and activities for all ages and backgrounds through our events calendar and Recreation Registration Portal.

Apply online or, if you'd like help, register for one of the Scholarship Support Workshops December 11, and 18; or January 8, and 22.

Links

• "Scholarship Support" Wednesday Workshops:
  • December 11: register, event
  • December 18: register, event
  • January 8: register, event
  • January 22: register, event
• Recreation Registration Portal:
  • New Scholarship Application
  • Renewal Application