Scholarships

We want everyone active in recreation activities - no matter what!

Merriam Parks and Recreation is committed to providing quality recreation opportunities to all resident households, regardless of their economic condition. Merriam families may be eligible to receive a scholarship for membership or other programs. 

Registration fees support recreational programs offered by Merriam Parks and Recreation. To assist residents in offsetting those costs, scholarships are available to qualifying families. Scholarship funds are provided from private and civic group donations, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.

Membership Scholarship

This scholarship helps Merriam families pay for a resident household membership. The goal is to keep kids active in recreational activities. 

Eligible households may receive up to $420 per calendar year to use toward a resident household membership. Households will pay at least $20 per month toward membership costs.

Private organizations provide funds for these scholarships.

Dolphin Fund

The Dolphin Fund honors the lifelong friendship and mentorship of Dolphin Swim Team Coach Susan Cline. Through the Merriam Parks, Recreation, & Community Center Foundation, the fund supports low-income Merriam families. Eligible families receive up to $100 per year per youth toward swim team and swim lesson registration. 

Senior FitClass Pass Scholarship

This scholarship helps eligible Merriam seniors (60+), who are are members of the Merriam Community Center, have the opportunity to participate in a fitness classes at the Merriam Community Center. This membership add-on allows members to attend select classes as many times as they like. Eligible seniors will receive up to $240 per person per calendar year to be applied toward the purchase of a FitClass Pass. Funding is limited and is provided through the Merriam Parks, Recreation & Community Center Foundation.

KanCare Assistance for Youth Programs (Qualified State Aid)

Through United Healthcare, your child can participate in recreational activities through Merriam Park and Recreation. Contact your KanCare representative to receive paperwork to take advantage of this opportunity. Bring your paperwork to the Welcome Desk to register for programs. 

Eligibility

Membership Scholarship, Dolphin Fund Scholarship, and Senior FitClass Pass Scholarship

1. Proof of Merriam residency – proper identification includes a valid driver’s license, a state issued identification, current utility bill (electric, gas or water), current city business license, or Notice of Appraised Value issued by the Johnson County Assessor’s Office.

2. Proof of public assistance – documentation of assistance must show that it is for the current year. Options include: Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Assistance (SNAP), or other assistance from SRS, WIC food vouchers, or free school lunches. Insurance cards that don't show they are valid for the current year do not qualify.

3. Household is defined as two adults and up to four (4) dependent children as defined by IRS Qualifying Age Rule at the same address. Children 18 – 24 must provide proof of residency. The IRS Qualifying Age Rule per the IRS website.

4. Age restrictions apply to Dolphin Fund Scholarships (under 18), FitClass Pass Scholarship (60+), and KanCare assistance.

5. Senior FitClass Pass Scholarship requires an active membership to the Merriam Community Center.

6. Completion of appropriate application.

KanCare for Youth Classes

1. Proof of KanCare member identification.

2. Get appropriate paperwork from KanCare caseworker.

3. No online application required. Bring paperwork and KanCare member ID to the MCC Welcome Desk to register. Assistance will be applied toward eligible youth classes.

Recipient Responsibilities

  • No portion of the scholarships are transferable to another person. Remaining balances are not carried forward into the next calendar year.
  • Recipients must follow all Merriam Parks and Recreation Department rules, regulations, and policies. Failure to do so will result in revocation of scholarship and loss of privileges.
  • Scholarships do not apply to the purchase of class supplies.
  • Scholarships are good for the current year; recipients must reapply each year. 
  • Recipients of Membership Scholarships will be responsible for $20 per month fee for annual household membership.
  • Recipients of Dolphin Fund Scholarships and Senior FitClass Pass Scholarship will be responsible for 20% of program fee.
  • Recipients of Senior FitClass Pass Scholarship must have an active membership to the Merriam Community Center.

 

 

How to Apply

Online

Step 1.Review Eligibility and Responsibilities

Understand the requirements to receive a scholarship. Contact the Merriam Community Center at 913-322-5550 or by email with any questions. 

Step 2.Gather Required Documents

  1. Proof of Merriam Residency: proper identification (valid driver's license or state issued identification), current utility bill (electric, gas or water), current city business license, or Notice of Appraised Value issued by Johnson County Assessor's Office.
  2. Proof of Public Assistance: documentation of assistance must show that it is for the current year. Options include: Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Assistance (SNAP), or other assistance from SRS, WIC food vouchers, or free school lunches. Insurance cards that don't show they are valid for the current year do not qualify.

Step 3.Submit Application

  • Online application is for Membership Scholarship, Dolphin Fund Scholarship, and Senior FitClass Pass Scholarship.
  • For KanCare, contact your caseworker for appropriate paperwork and bring to the Welcome Desk to register. 

Apply Online

Step 4.Wait for Approval

Allow seven working days to receive notification via United States Postal Service of approval or denial.

Step 5.If approved, visit the Merriam Community Center

The Welcome Desk will assist scholarship recipients with processing their membership or program enrollment. Scholarship recipients are required to pay the balance of the program or class fees or arrange monthly payment installments for membership fees following normal registration procedures.

In Person

Step 1.Fill out application at Merriam Community Center.

Bring proof of: 

  1. Merriam residency - proper identification (valid driver's license, state issued identification, current utility bill (electric, gas or water), current city business license or Notice of Appraised Value issued by Johnson County Assessor's Office
  2. Public Assistance - documentation of assistance must show that it is for the current year. Options include: Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Assistance (SNAP), or other assistance from SRS, WIC food vouchers, or free school lunches. Insurance cards that don't show they are valid for the current year do not qualify.

Step 2.Return completed application by mail or in person.

Step 3.Approval process

Allow seven working days to receive notification via United States Postal Service of approval or denial

Step 4.If approved, visit the Merriam Community Center

The Welcome Desk will assist scholarship recipients with processing their membership or program enrollment. Scholarship recipients are required to pay the balance of the program or class fees or arrange monthly payment installments for membership fees following normal registration procedures.

Step 5.

Contact Us

Phone

913-322-5550

Email

aslocum@merriam.org

Location

Merriam Community Center
6040 Slater St
66202
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