We are excited to announce that we are partnering with the San Bernardino County Public Defender and the Probation Department to provide youth at risk of, or already involved in the juvenile justice system with everything they need to participate in extra-curricular and/or recreational diversionary activities/programs through a new recreational/extracurricular scholarship program.  Qualifying youth must meet specific criteria: they must already be involved in the juvenile justice system or have proof of at least one risk factor of becoming involved. These risk factors include victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, homelessness, disconnected from school, behavioral and or mental health diagnosis, and or parental incarceration.

 

Participation in recreational and extracurricular activities comes with barriers that many youth who are justice-involved or at risk of becoming involved need assistance to overcome. Participation in extracurricular activities requires financial commitments. Registration fees vary by activity, and although a fundraising component may be available, youth may not have the support network to participate in fundraising.  They are unlikely to approach their parents/caregivers/friends/family to purchase chocolate bars, script, a ticket for a car wash, etc.  Beyond the registration fees, equipment and uniforms burden struggling families.

 

Children's Fund will we work with our partner agencies to respond to requests to break the barriers to participation and award scholarships to cover registration fees, appropriate apparel,  equipment, instruments, tools, and other costs on an as-needed basis to allow children 5-17 to participate in these activities. Children's Fund seeks to maintain a relationship with these youth as they participate in these activities from elementary through high school in hopes that we can also provide assistance as they transition to post-secondary education.

 

Please submit your scholarship nomination on behalf of a youth you are currently working with.