Recreation Program Scholarship

kids doing painting class on a picnic table in a park

We want everyone to be able to enjoy Parks & Recreation programs. If you need assistance to cover part of program costs for your kids, our Play It Forward program may be able to help. Kids who qualify for free or reduced lunch at school can receive 50% off the cost of up to two Waukee Parks & Recreation programs for the calendar year. 

Who is eligible? 

The program is open to Waukee residents 18 years old or younger who qualify for free or reduced lunch at school or an equivalent financial assistance program.

Which programs can I use it for? 

Not all programs are eligible, so please review the excluded program list below. You can choose one spring & summer program and one fall & winter program or use both scholarships in the same season.

How long do I have to use my discount if my application is approved?

If your application is approved, you must use the discount within the calendar year. Participants must reapply each calendar year (not by program season).

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify the recreation programs you want, but do not register your child yet.

  • Take note of the program name and the session (dates and times) you want to register your child for. You’ll enter them in the Play It Forward application. 
  • See the current program guide here or view available programs at Waukee.org/Registration (most spring and summer programs will not be available in the registration platform until March 1).
  • Listing your preferred program or session in the Play It Forward application does not guarantee a spot in the recreation program. You still need to register at Waukee.org/Registration after receiving approval for the Play It Forward scholarship. Partial refunds will not be applied if you have already registered for the program when the scholarship is granted. 

Step 2: Apply for the Play It Forward scholarship.

  • Please fill out one Play It Forward application per family.
  • In your application, you must provide proof of financial need by uploading proof of enrollment in free or reduced lunch (example: confirmation email or a letter of confirmation from your SchoolCafe account) or an equivalent financial assistance program. Please do not upload documents that contain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers or bank details.
  • If you want to use a discount for a fall or winter program, note that you want to save one or both discount credits in your application. Make sure to follow up with Parks & Recreation staff after fall and winter programs open for registration in August to have the discount applied for the program you want. 
  • After your application is submitted, Parks & Recreation staff will email you within 10 business days to let you know if your application was accepted.
  • If you cannot apply online and need accommodation, you can pick up a printed form at the Waukee Parks & Recreation office in the Waukee Public Works building at 805 University Avenue. 

Step 3: After you receive approval for the scholarship, register for your child’s selected activities.

  • Go to Waukee.org/Registration.
  • If approved, the discount will be applied to the two programs you specified in the Play It Forward application form. It applies only to the session (specific date and time) that you indicated in your application. When you register for the program, the discount will appear in your cart prior to checking out.
  • If a program is full, you can go on the waitlist or pick a different program. To have your scholarship applied to a different program, contact Parks & Recreation prior to registering for that program.

Excluded Programs

Note that this program is for select youth programming only. Discounts cannot be used for these programs:

  • 2 to Move with Studio Bea
  • Beginner Triathlon Training Camp with RipRoar
  • Computer Camp with Youth Tech Inc.
  • CPR
  • Creative Creation Workshop Crafty Kids
  • Dance Classes with Tippi Toes Dance
  • DASH Sports
  • Dickey’s Ryukyu Little Ninjas and Karate
  • Dinner Delights
  • Fit & Fierce 515
  • Foundational Soccer Skills Camp with Challenger Sports
  • Future Aces Golf Camp
  • Junior Firefighter Day Camp
  • Life Time Tennis and Pickleball
  • Magicamps with Lee Cole's Magic Comedy
  • My Grown Up and Me Yoga with Fit & Fierce 515
  • Ocean Explorers: Engineering and Coding LEGO with ISU Extension & Outreach
  • Parents' Night Out: Friday Night Fun for Kids with Camp Brainiac
  • Safety City
  • STEM Camp with Challenge Island
  • Sunflower Fine Art
  • Youth Golf Camp or Clinic
  • Youth Soccer Camp with Grand View University Men's Soccer
  • Family trips
  • Adult or senior trips
  • Adult sports and leagues

The scholarship discount cannot be applied to facility rentals, ball field rentals or dog park passes.

Questions?

Contact Waukee Parks & Recreation at parksandrecreation@waukee.org or 515-978-0007.