Scholarships and Financial Aid for Recreation

Seattle Parks and Recreation 2024-2025 Scholarship Program

Thanks to the Seattle Park District, Seattle Parks and Recreation has limited financial aid funds available to individuals and families for our programs and activities. Scholarships eligibility is based on income and family size, and is available to anyone who qualifies, including seniors and people with disabilities.

Financial aid helps make our programs and activities more accessible to the community and can provide discounts for programs and activities at most Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities. Opportunities include:

• Classes
• Camps (3-17 years old)
• Aquatic activities
• Youth athletics
• Lifelong recreation (for ages 50+)
• Specialized population programs
• Environmental Learning Center programs
• School-age child care (5-12 years old)
• Preschool (3-4 years old)

Currently there are no discounts for rentals and reservations.

Anyone can apply if they meet the Income Eligibility Guidelines.

We welcome all ages and everyone in the Seattle area to apply. It is not required to live within Seattle City Limits to qualify.

Scholarships can only be used for Seattle Parks and Recreation activities. View eligible activities.

You must have your income and household size (proof of dependents) documentation ready to upload (2023 1040 income tax document) when submitting your application.

Apply Online - the fastest, easiest, and secure way to qualify! Takes about 20 minutes.

• Log in using your existing City of Seattle account (used for utilities) or create an account.
• Existing users can easily apply for other City benefits and programs using previously submitted information.
• Edit applications at any time and check your application statuses if you have an account created.
• Language translations available in CiviForm: 繁體中文, Soomaali, Español, Tiếng Việt,, አማርኛ, Tagalog, 한국어

Other ways to apply

You may also submit a hard copy application if you cannot apply online. Please email scholarship.parks@seattle.gov or inquire with a Seattle Parks Facility if you’d like a hard copy application. Please note that applying online is preferred, because it is secure, and you will receive automatic status updates. A hardcopy application may create a delay in processing.

Income Documentation Requirement List

Childcare Scholarship Requirements/Parent Agreement

Childcare Drop Notice

Scholarship Application Guidelines

• Households/individuals must apply annually. The annual scholarship cycle is from summer quarter through the end of the following school year based on the Seattle Public School Calendar. The new application is available each February so that applicants may apply and be approved prior to summer registration dates. Applicants need only apply one time for the 12-month qualification cycle. (For example: it is ideal to apply in March for the upcoming June to June scholarship cycle)
• Scholarship qualification level begins on the date the application is processed as approved (if application is submitted after June)
• Eligibility/qualification does not guarantee fund availability. Funds are limited.
• There are no retroactive scholarship funds available for registrations that occur any time prior to the approval date.
• During peak times the qualification process can take up to two weeks (for a complete application). Please file your taxes early and plan to submit your application early to avoid a delay in registration for popular summer programs.
• Submitting an incomplete application will delay the processing of your application until the application is complete.
• To confirm approval call your Seattle Parks and Recreation facility or email scholarship.parks@seattle.gov.

Seattle Parks and Recreation's Scholarship Program is made possible by funding from the City of Seattle general fund, the Seattle Park District and ARC (Associated Recreation Council). The Seattle Park District was approved by voters in 2014 and provides more than $47 million a year in long-term funding for Seattle Parks and Recreation, including maintenance of parklands and facilities, operation of community centers and recreation programs, and development of new neighborhood parks on previously acquired sites.

Have questions or need assistance? Please call a Seattle Parks and Recreation facility or email scholarship.parks@seattle.gov