How to Apply for Financial Assistance for Recreation and CREST Programs
The City of Santa Monica provides financial assistance for its after school programs and recreation classes and camps.
A completed application is required on an annual basis. Applications are available in May for the new fiscal year (Jul - Jun) and must be received prior to registration as discounts cannot be applied retroactively. Not all applicants may qualify. Financial Assistance eligibility for FY 2023-24 is aligned to HUD's 2022 HOME Income Limits. HUD updates Income Limits annually each May, which the City then uses in advance of each program year.
- For swim lessons, recreation classes, recreation camps, and CREST enrichment, applicants may qualify for up to $350 in quarterly assistance (July -September, October-December, January-March, and April-June). The $350 quarterly cap is based on the enrollment date.
- For essential programs such as CREST Club and CREST school-break camps, there is no cap.
For questions on how to apply, status of your application or family's eligibility, see EMAIL and IN-PERSON instructions below with contact information for the appropriate office.
Jump to Section:
Continue the Process:
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Download and Fill Out Application
+ -Applications are available in English and Spanish:
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Submit
+ -Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before a program/class begins and prior to registration.
- If submitting for recreation programs, email communityclasses@santamonica.gov
- If submitting for swim classes, email aquatics@santamonica.gov
- If submitting for CREST, email crest@santamonica.gov
For questions, call
Community Recreation Office (310) 458-8300
Santa Monica Swim Center (310) 458-8700
CREST Youth Office (310) 458-8540
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Receive Decision Letter
+ -A letter will be sent to the applicant via email with the status of the application.
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Register for Programs
+ -Visit Reserve Santa Monica to create an account and/or register for activities and classes.
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Pick Up Application
+ -Financial assistance applications are available at three locations during office hours:
CREST Youth Office (310) 458-8540
2115 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405Virginia Avenue Park (310) 458-8688
2200 Virginia Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404
Santa Monica Swim Center (310) 458-8700
2225 16th St, Santa Monica, CA 90405 -
Fill Out and Submit
+ -Applications will be accepted during office hours at locations listed in Step 1. Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before a program begins and prior to registration.
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Receive Decision Letter
+ -A letter will be sent to the applicant via postal mail or email (if an email address is provided) with the status of the application.
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Register for Programs
+ -Visit Reserve Santa Monica to create an account or search and/or register for activities and classes.