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
+ -After a completed application is received, a decision letter will be sent to the applicant via email with the status of the application. This process can take up to three weeks and are processed in the order received.
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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
+ -After a completed application is received, a decision letter will be sent to the applicant via email with the status of the application. This process can take up to three weeks and are processed in the order received.
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Register for Programs
+ -Visit Reserve Santa Monica to create an account or search and/or register for activities and classes.