HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-04-14; City Council; 14640; Scholarship Opportunities in Recreation Programs0 /3
CITY OF CARLSBAD -- AGENDA BILL
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DEPT
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES CITY ATTY@
FOR YOUTH IN RECREATION PROGRAMS CITY MG-
Consider the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission to implement
scholarship opportunities for youth in recreation programs; if Council concurs, direct staff to
initiate actions to implement the scholarship fund.
ITEM EXPLANATION
The Scholarship Program being recommended to you is a result of staffs efforts to develop a
method to provide assistance for community youths who could not normally afford to participate
in recreation programs. During the past several years, the Recreation Department has had
numerous requests for such a program.
In planning this program, staff focused their attention on developing criteria, procedures and
funding opportunities to support a scholarship program. Numerous cities that have existing
scholarship programs were surveyed; and the information was synthesized to help develop a
program unique to Carlsbad’s needs.
Staff developed eligibility criteria based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development standards, as shown on the attached applicant letter. (Exhibit 1) Two income
categories are defined, based on the number of family members and family income levels.
Families in Category One are eligible for a 75 percent discount on an individual program fee and
families in Category Two are eligible for a 50 percent discount on an individual program fee. A
maximum amount of $100 for Category One families and $75 a year for Category Two families
has been established. This level of support has been established in order to provide assistance
to as many families as possible.
The application form (Exhibit 2) will be available at all three community centers and the swim
complex; additionally there will be information in the department brochure explaining the
program. The applications will be reviewed by staff to determine eligibility and will require that
parents and/or legal guardians fill out the application and provide verification of income and
residency. All information will be kept confidential. Grants will be awarded to qualified applicants,
as long as funds are available.
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Staff worked with the Finance Department to establish a Special Revenue account (001-5036-
5650) in which to deposit funds for the operation of the Scholarship program. One of the most
important aspects of the proposed program is to develop and maintain a reliable funding source
for the Scholarships. Staff has evaluated other programs and concluded that there are several
ways in which to implement a funding pool. The options recommended are as follows:
l Joint Community Fundraising Projects
l Joint work fare projects with Community User Groups
l Benefit Barbecue
l Car Washes
l Seek Grants Assistance
l Seek corporate donations and sponsorship
l Private contributions
l Optional dollar donation on program registration forms
l Earmark individual donation
An example of a fundraising effort recently completed is the “Carlsbad Clean Sweep” campaign.
This program was designed to be an effective fundraising venture for both the Carlsbad Youth
Baseball League (CYB) and the Recreation Department’s Scholarship Program, while teaching
the CYB participants the value of community service. The program required that CYB
participants acquire sponsorships in return for volunteering hours of community service in a work
fare setting. The Recreation Department coordinated various volunteer projects including planting
vegetation, trash pick up at beaches, lagoons and park sites and clean up and maintenance at
various community facilities. Individuals of CYB generated $9,000 in sponsorship for the league
and donated $900 to the Scholarship program.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact to the Recreation Department would be minimal, as all scholarship funding will
be raised through donations and fund raising efforts. Revenues received will be appropriated
when collected pursuant to Budget Resolution 97-518. Staff estimates an annual cost of $500 for
salaries, advertising and materials to support this program; which is available in our current 97198
Budget.
I EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 - Scholarship Applicant Information Letter
Exhibit 2 - Scholarship Application
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Dear Applicant:
The Carlsbad Community Services Department is now offering OPPORTUNfTY GRANTS, a unique program designed to give Carlsbad resident youths a chance to experience the world of Recreation.
Grants will be awarded based on United States Department of Housing an Urban Development income standards. There are two categories of grants, either 50 percent of the program cost or 75 percent of the program cost. There is a funding limit of $100 for category 1 families and $75 for category 2 families, per year.
Please fill out the attached form and return it to: OPPORTUNITY GRANTS Harding Community Center 3096 Harding Street Carlsbad, CA 92008
Remember you must include the following with your grant application:
l All necessary documents verifying family income (see attachment)
l A completed Activity Registration form, specifying the program you would like to attend.
OPPORTUNITYGRANTS Partial scholarships are now being awarded to Carlsbad residents who are less than 17 years old.
The amount of the scholarship depends upon total family income and the number of persons in the family. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development standards are used in defining qualifying income levels.
Scholarships will be considered for families falling into the income categories as shown below:
Family Members 2 =?!%A 131700 151250 251400 16,450 27,450 17,700 29,450 18,900 31,500 20,100 33,550
=Yz% 221850
APPLICATION PROCESS
Parent/Guardian must complete a “Certification of Eligibility for Scholarships” form (see attached).
To establish annual income, applicant must show most recent tax return at time of application.
To verify residency, applicant must show proof such as driver’s license or utility bill.
If approved, the ‘Certification of Eligibility” is good for one year.
Please allow a minimum of 15 working days for processing of the application. You will be notified in writing of the availability of grant funding and if there is space in the requested program. This notification will include the location and start date of the program, your cost and the date the fees are due. If you have any further questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at Harding Community Center (760) 434-2834.
Thank you.
CARLSBAD COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT EXHIBIT 1
Recreation Division
3096 Harding Street l Carlsbad, CA 92008-2320 - (619) 434-2833 - FAX (619) 434-7287
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CARLSBAD COMMUNITY SERVICES
CERTICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR OPPORTUNITY GRANTS (Confidential)
Parent/Guardian’s Name (Print) Last tirst Middle
Address
Dependents Name
City EP Home # Work #
Date of Birth School
Number of family members residing at residence: q Rent 0 Own
Class or Program Name: Class #:
Income Resources of Family (report total annual income for each item listed below):
Fee:
a.
b.
C.
d.
e.
Source
Money, Wages or Salary
Social Security
Public Assistance/Welfare
Unemployment or Disability
Amount
$
$
$
$
Alimony
f. Child Support
g. Other Income
GROSS ANNUAL
S
$
$
INCOMUOTAL $
Verification (View/Return)
Current Check Stub
Current Check Stub
Notice of Action from Dept. Social Services
Current Check Stub
Current Check Stub or Court Decree
Current Check Stub or Court Decree
1 affirm to the best of my knowledge and belief that the above statements are true.
Signature lielationship to Child Date
(FOR OFFICE USE ONLY) I hereby certify that the above family is eligible for the scholarship program at the rate of
maximum of $100 (Category 1) /$75 (Category 2) per year per family. Expires on
Amount Awarded: $ Date: Reviewed by:
% up to a
(I year).
MaclDatdRec/Forms/3/98 EXHIBIT2
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