Recreation Scholarship

Scholarships are available for eligible youth, ages 18 and younger. They may also be awarded to eligible adults with developmental disabilities who want to participate in Access to Recreation programs.

Eligibility is based on income level. Your household must have an income of 60% or less of area median as identified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). There is a table in the application form that will help you identify what that income level is based on the number of people in your household.

A parent or legal guardian should complete the scholarship application to make sure all required documentation is received.

Scholarships cover 50% of registration fees for all eligible recipients in an approved household.

Yes, to qualify for a scholarship you must live at an address within Vancouver city limits.

You must be a parent or legal guardian of the scholarship recipient to apply for the scholarship. This aligns with the IRS definition of a legal child, such as a child or grandchild who lives with you more than half the year and meets certain other IRS criteria.

Scholarship eligibility is based on a combination of family size and household income, so anyone who lives in the household should be included, even if they are not registering for an activity.

Each person reported when filing tax forms would be counted as household members on the application.

Scholarships can be used for registration-based classes, camps or leagues for ages 18 and younger. They can also be used for Access to Recreation programs for adults with developmental disabilities.

Scholarships cannot be applied to community center memberships or fitness services. Visit the front desk at Firstenburg or Marshall community centers for more information or exemptions

Proof of residency is needed to confirm the household is within Vancouver city limits and income
verification is required to determine if the family meets HUD federal income limits for scholarship eligibility. Documents are needed for all adults (19+) in the household. See the application form for a chart with information on income type and required documents.

Income received by any adult in the household during the month should be totaled. This amount is the pre-tax gross income.

Income includes wages, salaries, tips, unemployment income, child support payments, TANF benefits, and SSI or SSDI payments.

Payments of scholarships, fellowships, grants and financial aid are not considered income. However, if you are in school, this documentation could support your statement of having no income, your need for a scholarship, and/or verify that you reside within Vancouver city limits.

All foster children are automatically eligible for scholarships. You do not need to submit total household income information. Instead, provide documentation verifying the child’s foster status and
income received through the foster system. The foster parent must still include a document
that proves Vancouver residency.

Summary demographic data may be used to improve community outreach about the program, shared in grant applications or provided to funders to
highlight the need for additional financial investment in the scholarship program. Individual and family information is never released.

If you have additional questions about the scholarship application form, program eligibility or your own situation, call a community center to speak
with a customer service representative.

• Marshall Community Center: 360-487-7100 ext. 1
• Firstenburg Community Center: 360-487-7001 ext. 0

Interpretation services over the phone are available by request.