Mountain Rec Youth Scholarship
$25,000 available of $25,000
As of January 6, 2025
Application opens January 6, 2025
Mountain Rec believes that physical activity and having an active lifestyle contribute to improved behavioral and mental health outcomes. The Mountain Rec Youth Scholarship is designed to provide equitable access to our programs for children living in Eagle County. Who without financial assistance, would not have the opportunity to participate in youth activities.
All scholarships are subject to availability of funds and class space. The scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis for eligible recipients.
- Each eligible child in a family may receive up to a $285 scholarship to assist in enrolling in Mountain Recreation programs and memberships.
- The max amount received annually per family is $1,140.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. The application is valid for one calendar year (January 1 – December 31). Any unused funds by December 31, 2025 will be lost and may affect an applicant’s eligibility for future assistance.
- Eligibility
Mountain Recreation will no longer base children’s eligibility on Eagle County School’s Free & Reduced Lunch program. Instead, eligibility will be based on the Self Sufficiency Standard System, reflective of Eagle County.
This system takes into account the income working families need to meet their basic necessities without public or private assistance, and recognizes every county across the country is different. This allows us to provide scholarships to local families below the federal poverty guidelines, but also to local families caught between the federal poverty line and a realistic household income needed to be self-sufficient in our area. In the case of Eagle County in 2022, that figure is $118,088.
What does this mean?
This means we can award scholarships to even more families! If your household makes under $118,088 you are eligible to apply for the Mountain Recreation Youth Scholarship. In comparison, basing eligibility on Free & Reduced Lunch would mean only being able to award scholarships to families making less than $51,000 per year. - Application Process
- Complete the online application form at the bottom of this webpage or fill out a paper application available at any of our facilities.
- Our staff will review scholarship applications every Thursday. You will be notified regarding your application within 72 business hours of review.
- Upon approval, the scholarship funds will be added to the household SmartRec account for use in registering each child for recreation programs. If you do not have a SmartRec account, at the time of applying, one will be created for you using the contact information provided in your scholarship application.
- You’re set! Funds may now be used for any youth program activity or Mountain Rec Membership. To use your scholarship funds, simply start the checkout process and at time of payment you will be prompted with the option to use your scholarship funds.
Please call Mountain Recreation at (970) 766-5555 for more information or questions concerning the program.
- FAQs
Who can Apply for a Scholarship?
Any family residing in Eagle County with children under 18 years of age. A new application is required each calendar year (January 1-December 31). If you are a past recipient, the previous year’s funds must be used to be eligible for the scholarship again.
What Type of Assistance Will I Receive?
- Each eligible child in a family receives up to a $285 scholarship to assist in enrolling in Mountain Recreation programs and memberships.
- The max amount received annually per family is $1,140 ($285 for up to four children, for families with more children: the max annual amount will be split evenly among all children).
Which Programs are Eligible?
Mountain Rec annual youth memberships, youth programs, drop-in tumble tots, and birthday parties offered by the Mountain Recreation Metropolitan District are eligible.
Which Programs are Ineligible?
- Individual/private lessons
- Personal training sessions
- Contractual programs, camps, & activities
Confidentiality
Mountain Recreation will use application information only for approval of a youth scholarship. Strict confidentiality will be maintained at all times during the decision and registration processes. Program leaders will not be informed of a participant’s scholarship status.