On June 4, 2025, the Oceanside City Council allocated $131,250 to the budget to provide additional scholarships for low-income youth to participate in recreation programs. The current scholarship program is funded through donations secured by the Parks and Recreation Department, and the City has identified an increased need to support Oceanside families through a more robust scholarship program. 

The new scholarship program will increase the annual scholarship allocation to $300 per child with an additional $250 per child allocated specifically for summer camps. Each child in a family that meets the income limits will have access to $550 per year for scholarships.

“This funding and improvements to our scholarship program are a testament to the City’s commitment to providing equitable access to our recreation programs, which are an invaluable resource for physical, emotional, and mental health," said Manuel Gonzalez, Director of Parks and Recreation. 

The City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department accepts scholarship applications electronically and in-person at the Parks and Recreation Department Administration office, which is located at 300 North Coast Highway, as well as recreation centers, senior centers, and aquatic facilities. Once a child is approved for a scholarship, the funds will be reflected in the child’s account and the family will have complete control over how those scholarship funds are expended. 

Scholarships are only available for Oceanside residents, and the City requires a California Driver’s License, California ID, utility bill, or other document with an Oceanside address that was mailed through the United States Postal System to the scholarship applicant. The City also requires income verification with either the previous year’s tax return, two consecutive pay stubs, or participation in programs such as EBT SNAP. 

The new scholarship program takes effect on July 1. For more information about eligibility and applications, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (760)435-5041 or e-mail RecAdmin@oceansideca.org.