F.I.S.H. offering summer scholarships for youth
As the school year winds down, many households are wondering what summer care will look like. Uncertainty surrounding childcare and summer camps can add additional stress to working families.
Understanding the challenges of finding appropriate programs and the associated costs, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva continues to provide financial assistance in the form of youth scholarships.
“F.I.S.H. offers scholarships for summer programs every year to ensure children remain active and in enriching environments when they’re out of school,” Assistant Executive Director Maria Espinoza said, “This year, much like 2020, will be extremely complex for our families. Some offerings that were available pre-pandemic continue to have restrictions or shortened schedules if they are available at all. It’s going to be tough for families.”
F.I.S.H. remains in close contact with area camp directors to have knowledge of local programs they can refer families to both on and off-island.
“We continue to work with the Sanibel Recreation Center and CECI, as well as some off-island locations so that our families have an array of options,” Espinoza said. “We are ready to assist families through our Summer Youth Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance for camp sessions and is supported by private donors and grant funding from the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Foundation and the Sanibel Captiva Lions Club.”
Scholarship assistance is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and eligibility is determined through a review of income and expense documentation. Scholarship amounts vary depending upon the length and cost of the program and family’s financial status. Available funding is limited, and scholarships may cover only a portion of the tuition cost.
For more information, contact Social Services Director Nitza Lopez at 239-472-4775.