Scholarships & Reduced Fees

Equitable parks and recreation opportunities for all

Milwaukee Recreation believes that all children should have access to high quality recreation activities. Thus, city of Milwaukee youth whose family is enrolled in one of the following federally subsidized programs may qualify for a discount:

FoodShare/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Wisconsin Shares Childcare Subsidies
Foster Care

Reduced Fees for Youth Programs

Discount Levels

Verification Process

Students must be enrolled in school to receive reduced fees for Milwaukee Recreation programs.

Milwaukee Public Schools students:

The MPS student database is used to verify eligibility via one of the above federally subsidized programs.
If eligibility cannot be confirmed in the database, registrant must show proof of eligibility at the time of registration and attach a copy of proof of eligibility to the registration form.

Non-Milwaukee Public Schools students:

Registrant must show proof of eligibility at the time of registration and attach a copy of proof of eligibility to the registration form.

Acceptable proof of eligibility (Non-MPS students, as well as MPS students whose eligibility cannot be confirmed in student database)

Statement of verification located at access.wisconsin.gov
- Must include eligibility date, names, and date of birth of individuals
Letter verifying foster care

Additional Information

Eligibility documentation must be provided each school year.

Documentation will not be honored after a registration has been received and processed.

Documentation that is not current or cannot be verified will not be accepted and the parent/guardian will be charged the full activity fee.

In order to qualify for a family discount, additional family members must be siblings and reside at the same residence.

For questions concerning this policy, call 414-475-8180.

Additional Reduced Fee Programs

Everyone Plays! Youth Scholarships

If you live in the city of Milwaukee and receive any state or federal assistance like WI Shares or SNAP, your children are eligible to receive a scholarship to pay for most classes in the Milwaukee Recreation Guide. This includes arts and crafts, cooking, dance, fitness, language skills, music, outdoor education, sports, swimming, and more!

Every activity is carefully supervised and designed to allow youth to learn and grow in a safe, respectful environment. Everyone is welcome to participate, and accommodations will be made for all individuals.

Please note: the funding for this program is only available on a limited basis each season. Funds are typically allocated in the first 10-14 days following the opening of the Everyone Plays! registration period. Apply early to best ensure your spot in this scholarship program.

Learn more about the Everyone Plays! scholarship

Camps for Kids

Camps for Kids was developed to send urban children to camp for the first time. Children are referred to Camps for Kids from over 25 agencies. Often times following the camp experience, the child and his or her family connect with a new agency for services that last longer than just the week at camp.

Families interested in having their children attend camp must meet the eligibility criteria listed below and submit a completed application form. Selected campers and their parents/guardians are sent a letter confirming their scholarship and are asked to attend a Camps for Kids orientation to learn about the camps available this summer and to complete some additional paperwork. Several camps will be on site at the orientations to tell families about what they have to offer. Individual camps will require that campers complete an additional application form, which must be accompanied by the $20 commitment fee.

Learn more about Camps for Kids

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