We are seeking nominations for the Michelle Park Family Recreation Scholarship. The purpose is to provide a scholarship for one year to one City of Gainesville low-to-moderate income family, to participate in nature, recreation and cultural activities provided by the city and other providers in the community, such as the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art and the Florida Museum of Natural History.
The scholarship enables a Gainesville family to take advantage of a year’s worth of events, programs, tours and more at no cost. One scholarship valued at $1,500, which can be used to enjoy activities such as:
- After-school activities and day camps for school breaks and teacher holidays, for children age six–12
- Access to the Wellness Center at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multipurpose Center
- Tickets to cultural events such as the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
- An annual pass to Sweetwater Wetlands Park
- Access to adult and youth recreation and sports activities such as golf lessons, swimming lessons, and tennis lessons; free registration to participate in city-sponsored youth baseball, basketball, flag football, Pop Warner football or cheerleading.
Criteria:
- Family must be City of Gainesville residents and provide proof (GRU bill or voter registration card).
- Family must meet the criteria of the Alachua County School Board Free or Reduced Lunch Program and provide 2018 tax return and reduced lunch eligibility form;
- Family must be able to complete 20 volunteer hours during the award year or the following year.
Application Process: Applicant must submit the following items/forms. Final scholarship award selection will be made by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) Department’s evaluation team.
- Completed application form with supporting documents: proof of ID, residency and income. If handwriting your application, please print legibly.
- One completed reference form from an individual not related to the applicant.
- Personal Statement: In your statement, please answer the following question: How would receiving this scholarship make a difference for your family? Statement is to be no more than one page typed or two pages handwritten.
Deadline for scholarship applications is Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019.
Applications may be dropped off in person at the Administrative Office, Thomas Center, Building B, 3rd Floor, Reception Desk, 306 NE Sixth Ave. in Gainesville, Fla.
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
By email: Jenny McGovern, Program Coordinator, feltsmcgoji@cityofgainesville.org or
By mail: City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, PO Box 490, Station 24, Gainesville, FL 32627-0490.
Application packets are available for pick up at the Albert “Ray” Massey Westside Recreation Center, Clarence R. Kelly Community Center, Eastside Community Center, MLK Multipurpose Center, T. B. McPherson Center, Porters Community Center and the PRCA Administrative Office, which is located on the third floor of the Thomas Center, Building B.
Questions? Please call 352-393-8844