Dual Agency Financial Aid Scholarships
The Des Plaines Friends of the Parks and Des Plaines Park District Scholarship Funds offer financial aid to families with limited incomes within the Des Plaines Park District boundaries. Families in District 62 or attending Maine West High School are also eligible. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be used by October 1. We determine eligibility using the Department of Agriculture poverty guidelines issued every year.
Applications open on January 2 or until funds are gone. Applications are available online at Scholarship Application or the Administrative & Leisure Center, Prairie Lakes Community Center. To apply, families can drop off applications at the Administrative and Leisure Center or email applications to scholarships@dpparks.org.
These scholarships support recreational opportunities for the community.
Application Requirements
- Proof of residency and/or enrollment in District 62 or Maine West High School: Must attach proof of residency or school enrollment letter to the application
- Annual Gross Income (Forms 1040 & 1099): You must attach a copy of your family’s most recent federal income tax return (1040) to the application
- All Tax Forms (1040/1099) are required from all responsible parties, including those who are married and filing separately.
- *You must provide more information if you cannot show documentation for proof of income. You must attach a copy of a social agency or school referral letter to the team, and both agencies will review the application; the timeline for approval/denial will be 4 weeks.
