Youth Sliding-Scale Scholarship Policy

At the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center (SCMAC), we are committed to making our programs accessible to families in need through a sliding-scale scholarship program. This policy outlines the steps for applying for financial assistance, the eligibility requirements, and the procedures for receiving a scholarship.

We are dedicated to supporting as many families as possible and believe that access to the arts should be available to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Through the sliding-scale scholarship program, we aim to stretch our funding and serve as many students as possible while ensuring every child has the opportunity to benefit from our programs.

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Eligibility

Income Eligibility
Use the table below to check the income eligibility guidelines based on family size.
(Source: https://hacosantacruz.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/state-income-limits-2024.pdf)

Assistance Program Participation
In addition to income, participation in public assistance programs such as ELOP, Champions, Valley Churches United Missions, Mountain Community Resources, Community Bridges, foster care, etc., may be considered as a factor constituting need.

Scholarship Limitations

First-Come, First-Serve Basis
SCMAC processes applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. Families should apply early to ensure they are considered for financial assistance. 

Limited Funding
The SCMAC Board of Directors will determine the amount of funding available for each quarter of classes and no more scholarships will be granted once that funding has been awarded. In order to allocate the scholarship funds to as many families as possible, each applicant will be asked what they can contribute on a sliding-scale basis.

Repeat Awards
SCMAC does not place a limit on the number of scholarships a student may receive per year, as long as funding is available, and the student is in good standing with their teachers, and benefiting from the program.
If demand for scholarship assistance outpaces scholarship funds available in a given quarter, and a student has received a scholarship more than twice in a year, priority will be given to a student who has not received a scholarship previously.

Age Eligibility
Scholarships are available for children ages 5-17. Children must be in the age range of the class for which they are applying.

Application Process

It typically takes up to two weeks for application processing. We strongly encourage families to apply early to ensure funding is secured.

To apply for a sliding-scale scholarship:

  1. Complete the Scholarship Application form for one class (or summer program) at a time: https://forms.gle/cPTdjKxUceRHTdKe8
    • Siblings: If applying for scholarships for multiple children in the same program, families may use one application. If applying for different classes(or summer  programs) for each sibling, a separate application must be submitted for each child.
  2. Register your student for the class to reserve their space using this link.
    • Choose the “Pay Later” option to register without paying.
    • In the Comments section write “sliding-scale scholarship, can pay ${the amount you are able to pay}.”
  3. SCMAC personnel will review your application. 
  4. Upon notification of award, you will receive a link to pay your sliding-scale contribution. Please pay promptly online if using a card; if using cash or check you may pay at the first class meeting.
  5. In the event that funding has been exhausted prior to receiving your application (or prior to your place in line), SCMAC staff will notify you and you will have the option to take the class at full price or cancel your registration.
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For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact the Youth Education Director at youth.scmac@gmail.com 

This policy is effective as of April 2025 and may be subject to updates.