The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is accepting Financial Aid applications for youth programs. Applications are available in the following languages.
Financial Aid Application (English PDF) | Solicitud de Asistencia Financiera (Spanish PDF) | 助學金申請 (Korean PDF) | 재정 지원 신청서 (Traditional Chinese PDF) |ငွေကြေးအကူအညီ လျှောက်ထားခြင်း။ (Myanmar PDF) | Đơn xin Hỗ trợ Tài chính (Vietnamese PDF)
What Assistance does the Program Provide?
- 50 percent off registration costs for Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) youth programs and services.
- Scholarship opportunities for youth that get free lunches or go to a Community Eligibility Provision (C.E.P) school.
Who qualifies?
- Youth who live within Austin city limits who get or are income eligible to get free/reduced school lunches*.
- Individuals 18 to 22 years of age who receive special education services in school also qualify.
NEW! Income eligibility requirements have been raised to allow more applications approvals based on income attestation, even those slightly above the free/reduced lunch program requirements. See last page of application for more information.
How do you apply?
NEW! Apply online with the webform (Available in English and Spanish, more languages coming in 2025) or Complete and sign the application.
- Include a copy of the school free/reduced lunch letter with your application or complete the Attestation Section of the application.
- Completed applications can be emailed to PARDFinAid@austintexas.gov or delivered to Austin Parks and Recreation facilities that offer youth programs.
How long does it last?
- Financial Assistance approved after October 1 of the year lasts until December 31 two years later
- Renewals required every other year for continued participation.
NEW! Austin Energy™ Customer Assistance Discount Program households will automatically renew!
Youth programs registration
- To register for Austin Parks and Recreation youth programs, visit www.austintexas.gov/parksregister.
- Be sure to apply for Financial Assistance several weeks prior to program registration.
- Due to the volume of submissions, your Financial Assistance application may take up to three weeks to process, and the discount will not be applied to payments until your application is approved.
Can I donate to the PARD Financial Aid Program?
- Yes, all Austin Energy Customers can donate by contributing to the Parks & Libraries Funds when your pay your bill.
- To learn more about the Parks & Libraries Fund, visit City of Austin Online Customer Care Billing and Payment Options