Scholarships available for kids, families for recreation programs

Apply online or register to attend workshops on Nov. 18 and Dec 9. Get help applying for 2026 scholarships, hardship waivers covering 50-100% of program fees.

Do you live in Berkeley and can't afford to pay for kids' recreation programs or a High Sierras camp for your family? We have scholarships to get half or all of the fees waived. We'll also help you apply.

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

• A day camp providing up to four sports
• After-school academic support and activities
• A skateboard camp to learn the basics or advanced tricks

Scholarships can cover half or all the program costs, depending on family size and income. Families earning between $54,400 and $144,000 may qualify. Higher incomes may still be considered through a case-by-case review.

Apply online for a new scholarship or renew your scholarship for 2026. Attend in person a workshop on November 18 or workshop on December 9 to get help from staff with your application.

Workshops to help you apply and check eligibility

If you want help with your online application, come to our in-person workshop with required documents. We'll use these sessions to show you available programs and help you complete your application.

We will have light refreshments and childcare available.

Our workshops at James Kenney Community Center, Art Room run from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Staff will reach out to you once you have registered:

• November 18 workshop
• December 9 workshop

Recreation scholarships cover some or all the costs that limit families' access to our recreation programs. Eligibility depends on household income:

• 50% fee waivers for 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).

Some families may qualify for hardship waivers, even if their income is higher.

If you're unsure about if you qualify, start by registering for a workshop. You'll need to create a login on our Online Recreation Portal.

Our staff will clarify eligibility and help you complete your application. For questions or accessibility requests, contact [email protected] or (510) 981-5150.

Prepare the required paperwork before you apply

Gather your proof of residency, income, and, for first-time applicants, guardianship, before you are ready to apply for recreation scholarships.

• Residency: utility bill or driver's license
• Income: tax returns, pay stubs, Social Security letters, profit and loss statements, student loan or grant documents, or affidavits
• Guardianship (for first-time applicants): birth certificate or court documents for each child

View the detailed list of accepted documents.

Expanding recreation program access to low-income residents

The City's recreation scholarships help Berkeley residents with lower incomes take part in programs that support wellness and equity.

Scholarships are renewed each calendar year. We spread them across households to reach as many families as possible.

By addressing barriers like cost, we're working to expand the reach of our recreation programs that benefit Berkeley families and foster community well-being.

These workshops are just a few of the many events that the City's Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department team puts on throughout the year. The Department offers camps, classes, and activities for a variety of age groups and backgrounds. Use our online recreation portal to see all offerings. Check our community calendar to see what's coming up.

Apply online for Recreation scholarships. For help, register for one of the Scholarship Support workshops on November 18 or December 9.

Links

• Recreation "Scholarship Support" Workshops:
  • November 18 Workshop
  • December 9 Workshop
• Online Recreation Portal:
  • New Recreation Scholarship Application 2026
  • Recreation Renewal Application 2026

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