LEONARDTOWN, Md. — More than 130 people have applied for St. Mary’s County’s expanded recreation scholarship program just weeks after the county launched a new effort aimed at helping families afford youth sports.
St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Director Raymond Bivens said during the Aug. 6 Recreation and Parks Citizens Advisory Board meeting that 134 individuals had applied for scholarships as of Aug. 4, with 122 expressing interest in assistance through an affiliated community sports league.
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County included $75,000 in the department’s budget to expand the scholarship program and allow Recreation and Parks to partner with community sports organizations.
The expanded program went live in July.
“This is probably my favorite update of the whole night,” Bivens told the board while discussing the early response.
Under the program, children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive a 50% matching scholarship of up to $400 toward eligible recreation activities.
Parents or guardians identify the programs their children are interested in, while participating leagues must complete an application process and remain in good standing with the state.
Four organizations had already signed on for the fall season as of the meeting: St. Mary’s Soccer, Pax River Raiders, Leonardtown Wildcats and Mechanicsville Braves.
Officials expect additional organizations to participate as winter and spring sports begin.
The $400 assistance follows the school year, according to Bivens, giving eligible families an opportunity to receive help with recreation expenses beyond a single sports season.
The early response has county officials anticipating strong demand for the new funding.
Bivens said Recreation and Parks staff have been discussing how much of the newly allocated money will ultimately be needed, with expectations that the full amount could be used.
“Jessica feels we’re going to spend every penny of those $75,000,” Bivens said.
Additional fundraising, including the department’s golf tournament, also supports the scholarship program.
Bivens said Recreation and Parks met with representatives of the Pax River Raiders shortly before the advisory board meeting and received positive feedback about the expansion.
The organization told county officials the program would be beneficial to its families and was pleased with how many had already taken advantage of the opportunity.
How To Apply
Families interested in the St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks scholarship program can view available programs and begin the registration process through the county’s online Recreation and Parks catalog.
Applicants must provide documentation showing eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals as part of the scholarship approval process.
For questions, St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks can be reached at 301-475-4200, ext. 1800.
Watch the full meeting below:
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