PLAY Scholarship Fund

Who is eligible for a PLAY Scholarship? The PLAY Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship for children up to age 18 whose family is at 80 percent or below the HUD income limit.

If I have more than one child enrolled, can each child receive assistance? Yes. Families with multiple children are eligible to apply for each child.

Is the $150 limit per session or for the entire year? Each child can receive up to $150 for the year.

Will my scholarship be less than $150? Not all applications will be approved. Not every scholarship will be for the maximum amount of $150.

What can I use the PLAY Scholarship for? Scholarships can be applied to any Columbus Recreation and Parks summer camp, as well as sports, aquatics and community center programs offered by the department throughout the year.

How do I apply for the PLAY Scholarship for summer camp? For summer camp, follow these steps:

1. Log into ACTIVENet.
2. Search for your camps by name or activity number.
3. When you’re filling out the information for each camp, answer Yes to the question “Do you want to apply for a PLAY Scholarship?” Then, add the camp to your shopping cart.
   • Reminder: Each child is eligible for up to $150 in PLAY Scholarships per year, and scholarships are not guaranteed. You can use the PLAY Scholarship for camp after one week of camp is paid for.
4. Repeat for each camp and each child.
5. Once you have added all of your camps, click Checkout.
6. In your Cart, update your contact information and add your payment information.
   • If you would like to sign up for a payment plan, make sure the box is checked (it will default to this option). A credit card must be on file. Your credit card will be charged an initial payment of $20 per camp. Payments will be deducted from your account beginning on the first Friday in April and charged weekly until your balance is paid in full.
7. Once you’re registered, you will receive an email with information about how to upload the required camp documents in ePACT; these documents will include proof of eligibility for the PLAY Scholarship (see below). It can take 24 hours to receive that email.
8. Upload your camp documents in ePACT.
   1. Please note: You are encouraged to upload the proof of eligibility document for the PLAY Scholarship as soon as possible so the scholarship can be applied to your account before payments start being deducted from your credit card for your payment plan. We cannot guarantee approved scholarships will be applied by the first Friday in April if you submit your proof of eligibility after March 13; approved scholarships will be credited upon processing.
   2. If you don’t upload all other documents, such as medical forms, at the same time, please remember to do that before camp begins.
9. If you are awarded a scholarship, the scholarship will be added to your account, and the balance due will be adjusted. You will be notified that your balance has been adjusted.

How do I apply for the PLAY Scholarship for sports, aquatics and community center programs? To apply for a PLAY Scholarship for sports, aquatics and community center programs, apply in person at your local community center prior to registration; be sure to bring proof of eligibility.

What documentation do I need to apply? You will need to provide a copy of your most recent federal income tax return (previous year if the current year isn’t available). If you are not required to file a federal income tax return, you may submit any of the following:

• Copy of current Medicaid eligibility
• SNAP Benefit statement or Free or Reduced Lunch approval statement
• Proof of receiving Franklin County Social Services

How will I know I was awarded a scholarship? A scholarship credit will be added to your child’s ACTIVENet account.

Who can I talk to if I need help with the application or documentation? Please email ColumbusRecParks@columbus.gov. You can also talk with the staff at your local community center.

Can I combine the PLAY Scholarship with other assistance? Yes. PLAY Scholarships can be combined with external financial assistance programs, such as scholarships. Families will need to apply for this support on their own and will receive the awarded funds – the department will not collect those funds. Once you receive the funds, you can make a payment on your account in ACTIVENet.

Should I wait to register for camp until I find out if I received a scholarship? You should register at the beginning of the registration window to secure your spot in camp.

Will I lose my spot in camp if I don’t get a scholarship? You will not lose your spot in camp if you’re not awarded a scholarship, and you can set up a payment plan if needed. You are guaranteed camp enrollments for sessions that have been paid in full.

Are there payment options if I can’t pay for camp all at once? Payment plans can be set up in ACTIVENet during registration. Payment plans require a credit card to be on file; automatic payments will be charged to your credit card beginning on the first Friday in April and are charged weekly every Friday until the balance is paid in full. Cash payments can be made at your local community center or Columbus Recreation and Parks administrative offices at 1111 E. Broad St.