​Concord Funds Youth Scholarship Program With Federal Pandemic Dollars

CONCORD, CA— The City of Concord's Recreation Services Department has relaunched its youth scholarship program to provide recreation opportunities for young residents, it was announced Friday.

Through the program, underserved Concord youth can experience traditional summer recreation activities, including group swim lessons and Splash Camp at Concord Community Pool; Lil’ Explorers day camp for preschoolers; Backyard Explorers day camp for elementary students; East Bay Explorers day camp for middle school students; and the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for teens ages 12-15.

The Youth Scholarship Program is open to all Concord residents younger than 18 who meet financial qualifications and submit a completed application. Awardees pay a nominal enrollment fee of $10-$50 per program. Participation is limited and based on funding availability.

"We are delighted to bring back the scholarship program for Summer 2024, creating more opportunities for Concord youth to experience our most popular summer programs," Recreation Services Director Steve Voorhies said.

The application period is open from Wednesday, Jan. 10, until spaces or funding are exhausted. To apply or learn more, go to Cityofconcord.org/youthscholarship.

Funding for the program was made possible by the one-time allocation of federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act, which was meant to help communities recover financially from the COVID-19 pandemic. Concord received $27 million, and the Concord City Council directed $7 million into various city projects and initiatives, including this scholarship program, which received $100,000.