Encinitas Parks Department opens donations for new senior scholarship program; seeks $10,000 first-year goal

Director Knob told the Parks and Recreation Commission that the city has approved a Senior Scholarship Program and that the department can accept donations to fund scholarships for older residents.

"We have been approved for a senior scholarship program this year, which means we have a budget item," Director Knob said, asking the public to direct donations to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. He said the department's first-year fundraising goal is $10,000 and staff hopes to begin awarding scholarships by Nov. 1.

Why it matters: staff said the scholarships will mirror the youth scholarship program’s application process and will help seniors access classes and programs that have enrollment fees, including arts classes at Pacific View and fitness programs at the senior center.

Details: for the immediate period staff said donation intake is via phone to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department; a donation option also exists on the city website where donors can specify the department and purpose. Staff said scholarships will follow eligibility criteria similar to the youth scholarship program (income-based application) and that some senior programs already run at discounted rates (for example, many senior-center classes are offered at $7 per class).

What was not decided: final application eligibility details and the full award process were still being developed; staff said they would follow the youth scholarship model.

Ending: commissioners encouraged outreach to the senior community and noted that the program will be promoted through the department’s channels once the application process is finalized.