Financial aid & scholarships in Boston

Financial aid YMCA of Greater Boston

ACCESS financial assistance (Membership for All)

Income-based financial assistance for YMCA membership and programs, including up to 50 percent off youth programming and day camp, applied for through the Y's online Community Portal.

What it covers: Members receive up to 50% off when they sign up for fee-based classes including swim lessons, youth sports, day camp and more.
Who is eligible: Based on available resources and sliding scale eligibility, the Y will not turn anyone away due to an inability to pay full fees. Our ACCESS program provides financial assistance based on need through an easy application process. Programs are available to all regardless of age, income, ability, race or religion.

Eligibility & application

Fee waiver Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

Free youth membership, 2025-2026 school year

BGCB waived the annual membership fee at all of its Clubs across Boston and Chelsea for the 2025-2026 school year, removing the cost of joining after-school programs.

What it covers: Waives the standard $25 annual fee for children (ages 6-12) and the $5 fee for teens.
Who is eligible: All youth memberships will be free for children (ages 6-12) and teens; the Clubs serve ages 6-18 in Boston and Chelsea. Summer camp fees remain separate.

Eligibility & application

Scholarship Courageous Sailing

Youth Program scholarships

Full and partial scholarships toward Courageous Sailing's youth sailing classes in Charlestown, awarded by household income, with course fees otherwise set by financial need.

What it covers: Full scholarship reduces class fees to $0; partial scholarship is about a 50% discount (for example, a $575 class at $285).
Who is eligible: Full Scholarships ($0 class fees) are available to families on government assistance and low-income households making $132,300 or below. Partial Scholarships (~50% discount) are available to households whose income is at or above $130,000 but below Boston's median-income level of $160,000.

Eligibility & application

Sliding scale Community Boating, Inc.

Junior Program need-based sliding scale

Community Boating on the Charles River sets its Junior Program membership fee on a need-based sliding scale that includes membership, classes, and boat usage.

What it covers: $1 to $445 on the sliding scale, including membership, classes, and boat usage.
Who is eligible: Our fee is on a generous need-based sliding scale from $1 to $445 and includes membership, classes, and boat usage; a fee calculator is used during registration.

Eligibility & application

Sliding scale Piers Park Sailing Center

Youth program income-based tuition and disability scholarship

Piers Park Sailing Center in East Boston prices its youth summer programs on a family-income sliding scale and gives free or discounted tuition to students with physical disabilities.

What it covers: Maximum $450 per week on the sliding scale; free or discounted tuition for students with physical disabilities.
Who is eligible: Sliding scale (maximum $450 / week) based on family income; enrollment priority for Boston resident students. Students with physical disabilities get free or discounted tuition thanks to the Peabody Foundation. Financial aid is only available for the first two weeks enrolled.

Eligibility & application

Financial aid The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center

Boston Kroc Scholarship Program

Income-based financial assistance toward Kroc Center membership (and child care) at the Salvation Army's Boston Kroc Center in Dorchester.

Who is eligible: Find out if you qualify for financial assistance by emailing member services, completing an application, and providing income verification. Youth membership (aged 12-18) requires a birth certificate and proof of parent/guardian income; income is verified with pay stubs, taxes, public assistance or similar documents.

Eligibility & application

Financial aid Community Music Center of Boston

Financial Aid

Need-based financial aid toward Community Music Center of Boston tuition for music classes, with awards set individually by a Financial Aid Committee.

What it covers: Awards vary based on individual circumstances; CMCB is unable to offer 100% full scholarships for tuition.
Who is eligible: Financial Aid is available for students of any age and ability level to support the cost of CMCB tuition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; a complete application includes the first two pages of your most recent 1040 tax return and the Financial Aid application.

Eligibility & application

Financial aid Community Rowing, Inc.

Row Boston Scholars

Financial aid program for Boston and Cambridge public high school students, allowing them to join any age-appropriate youth rowing class with need-based support; applicants are not charged while aid is being processed.

Who is eligible: "the financial aid program supporting high school students from public schools in Boston and Cambridge" ... "register for the youth rowing class that's most appropriate for them" and then "fill out the financial aid application at the end of registration."

Eligibility & application

Financial aid Community Rowing, Inc.

Financial Aid (all registrants)

General financial aid available to any registrant, including families and students from Boston and Cambridge public, exam, and charter schools, applied for during registration.

Who is eligible: "Yes, we offer a range of financial aid support. All registrants (including families and students from Boston and Cambridge Public Schools, exam schools, and public charter schools) can apply through our financial aid application process when registering in Regatta Central."

Eligibility & application

Sliding scale Community Boating, Inc.

Need-Based Sliding Scale (Junior Program)

Junior membership fee is set on a need-based sliding scale using a fee calculator during registration that considers household income and family makeup.

Who is eligible: "We strive to make Junior Membership affordable to all. Our fee is on a generous need-based sliding scale from $1 to $445 and includes membership, classes, and boat usage; everything we offer!" "During registration, our fee calculator offers discounts based on household income and family makeup."

Eligibility & application

Sliding scale Piers Park Sailing Center

Income-Based Program Fee

Enrollment cost for Harbor Explorers varies by family income and geographic location, with funding support potentially available.

Who is eligible: "The program enrollment cost varies based on family income and geographic location." "Funding support may be available to help make Harbor Explorers more accessible."

Eligibility & application

Financial aid Boston Ballet School

Boston Ballet School Financial Aid

Need-based financial aid for all Boston Ballet School programs (not covering full tuition); families email the school to be guided through registration and then complete an application considering income, debts, and special circumstances.

Who is eligible: "Boston Ballet School offers financial aid as part of its mission to provide access to the arts and dance education." "Financial aid is available for all programs. Financial aid will not cover the full tuition" "If you are interested in applying for financial aid, please email school@bostonballet.org and a Student Services Specialist will walk you through the registration process."

Eligibility & application

Sibling discount Boston Ballet School

Boston Ballet School Sibling Discount

10% tuition discount for families with two or more students enrolled in school-year or summer programs, applied to the lower-value class; must be requested by email after registering.

Who is eligible: "BBS also offers a 10% sibling discount for all school year and summer programs (excluding SDP). If a family has two or more students enrolled a 10% tuition discount will be applied to the class of lesser value."

Eligibility & application

Financial aid Boston Music Project

Financial Aid

Financial aid toward before/after-school music programming, plus a variable set tuition rate (as low as $0) that varies by school/program. Applied for through a built-in application during registration.

Who is eligible: "BMP offers financial aid to ensure all families can access the program." "Financial aid is easy to apply for—just complete the built-in application during registration." "Set Tuition Rate ($0-$150 per week, varies by school/program)"

Eligibility & application

Sibling discount Community Music Center of Boston

CMCB Family Rate (sibling discount)

10% off private lessons when two or more people from the same household are enrolled in CMCB programming; not applied automatically and must be requested.

Who is eligible: "10% off if two or more persons from 1 household are engaged in CMCB programming" "This discount is not automatically applied" — families are told to "please notify the Student Services Team you'd like to take advantage of this offer."

Eligibility & application

Financial aid North End Music & Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC)

NEMPAC Tuition Assistance & Financial Aid

Need-based tuition assistance for classes, workshops, and private music instruction, awarded by a committee based on household income, household size, and extenuating circumstances; over 25% of tuition revenue supports need-based scholarships.

Who is eligible: "Discounted tuition is available for any student from any school or neighborhood." Applications are "confidential and reviewed by a committee" using "household income, household size, and extenuating circumstances." "Over 25% of tuition revenue of the organization supports need-based scholarships"

Eligibility & application

Voucher North End Music & Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC)

NEMPAC Card to Culture (EBT / SUN Bucks)

Automatic partial tuition assistance for Massachusetts residents who hold an EBT or SUN Bucks card, typically at least 50% off one class or private lesson, as part of the state Card to Culture program.

Who is eligible: "Massachusetts residents who are EBT or SUN Bucks cardholders and their families automatically qualify for partial tuition assistance" ... EBT/SUN Bucks holders "typically receive a minimum of 50% discount on one class or Private Music Instruction session."

Eligibility & application

Scholarship North End Music & Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC)

Geraldine Marshall Scholarship

Full scholarship for four to five youth per year under age 18 who are residents of Boston's North End; applications are due each August.

Who is eligible: "Full scholarship for four to five youth per year, under the age of 18 and resident of Boston's North End."

Eligibility & application

Scholarship Hill House

Hill House Scholarship Program

Need-based scholarships toward Hill House classes, athletics, and summer camps, covering up to 75% of the member program fee (families pay a minimum of 25%). For Boston residents or students; priority to core service areas, awarded seasonally with an annual application.

Who is eligible: Applicants must meet at least one of: "An individual temporarily in need of assistance as part of an unemployed or otherwise needy family." "A recipient of Free or Reduced School Lunch" "A Foster Child" "A child of Medicaid" and must "Reside within the Boston city limits or attend school within Boston city limits at the time of participation."

Eligibility & application

Scholarship The Eliot School

Eliot School Scholarships

Need-based scholarships toward the tuition of one class or workshop per term, awarded at the school's discretion based on financial need and available funds; up to three per student per calendar year. Does not cover private lessons or material fees.

Who is eligible: "Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the school based on financial need and available funds." "Each scholarship may be applied to only one class or workshop." "Each student may receive up to one scholarship per term." Applications are "accepted on a rolling basis" and reviewed within 7-10 business days.

Eligibility & application

Scholarship Urbanity Dance

Access for All Scholarship

Full and partial need-based scholarships and customized payment plans for youth dancers who would not otherwise be able to dance; the application opens May 1 for the following school year, with a first round of awards June 1.

Who is eligible: "endeavors to support youth dancers in Boston who would otherwise not be able to dance" "While Access for All scholarships are only available for youth dancers" "From full and partial Access for All scholarships to customized payment plans" "The 2026-2027 School Year Access for All application will be open on May 1st."

Eligibility & application

Financial aid Fourth Boston (Soul Possibilities)

Soul Possibilities Financial Aid

Payment plans and/or financial aid for music and art programming available on request, arranged with staff at or before the start of a session.

Who is eligible: "We want to make music and art programming available to anyone and everyone." "Payment plans and/or financial aid are available upon request."

Eligibility & application

Scholarship Charlestown Youth Basketball

CYB No-Questions-Asked Scholarship

No-questions-asked scholarship program to remove the fee barrier for Charlestown Youth Basketball; families check the scholarship box when registering.

Who is eligible: "CYB provides a no-questions-asked scholarship program to help eliminate the financial barriers" "Please check the box for 'scholarship requested' when registering."

Eligibility & application

Financial aid JP Youth Soccer

No-Questions Financial Assistance

Jamaica Plain Youth Soccer offers no-questions financial assistance; coupon codes for assistance are explained in the club FAQ.

Who is eligible: "We still offer no-questions financial assistance." "Coupon codes for financial assistance are" (linked to the JPYS FAQ).

Eligibility & application

Scholarship Hyde Park Youth Hockey

HPYH Scholarship Opportunity

One-time $500 scholarship for a graduating high-school senior with at least four years in Hyde Park Youth Hockey who is continuing to college, trade school, prep school, or the armed forces. Application (transcript, essay, proof of acceptance, recommendation) due April 1.

Who is eligible: "Hyde Park Youth Hockey (HPYH) is proud to award a $500 scholarship to a graduating high school senior who has demonstrated commitment to hockey, academics, and community service." Must "Have participated in HPYH for at least four (4) years" and "Be in good financial standing with HPYH".

Eligibility & application

Financial aid Hyde Park Youth Hockey

Hyde Park Youth Hockey Financial Assistance Opportunities

Page directing families to grant programs for hockey costs: the Boston Bruins Assistance Fund ($250-$750 per player toward USA Hockey registration for Massachusetts Hockey-affiliated players) and All Kids Play youth sports grants (income-limited, typically up to $350 per player per season).

Who is eligible: Boston Bruins Assistance Fund: "Must be registered with USA Hockey and participate through a Massachusetts Hockey–affiliated program like HPYH." All Kids Play: "Household income must be under 100% or 60% of the Massachusetts state median income." "Grants are typically capped at $350 per player per season and are first-come, first-served."

Eligibility & application

Scholarship Tenacity

Tenacity High School Scholarship Program

Scholarship of up to $1,500 across a student's high-school years for approved professional-development activities, for students active in Tenacity's College and Career Prep Program.

Who is eligible: "Students in grades 9 through 12 who have been consistently active in the College and Career Prep Program who plan to continue with Tenacity at the post-secondary level."

Eligibility & application

Financial aid Minni

Minni Tuition Assistance

Donation-funded tuition credits for Minni classes, workshops, and vacation programs, awarded twice a year to Boston families with the greatest need.

Who is eligible: "Minni is proud to offer tuition assistance to Boston families who need financial support." "To apply, please complete the tuition assistance form below. All applications and personal information are kept confidential."

Eligibility & application

Sliding scale United South End Settlements (USES)

Camp Hale Sliding Scale and Sponsorship

Camp Hale fees are set on a household-income sliding scale (roughly $142-$2,625 per two-week session), with partial sponsorships available after income verification.

Who is eligible: "Once you submit your income verification form and proof of income, we will send you your fee. You may also refer to our sliding scale." "After you receive your fee and if you are interested, we can send you a sponsorship application. Please note we only fund partial sponsorships."

Eligibility & application

Voucher Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester

EEC Voucher and Income-Eligible Slots (Marr Clubhouse after school)

The licensed after-school program at the Marr Clubhouse accepts state EEC child-care vouchers and has a limited number of EEC income-eligible slots.

Who is eligible: "Limited EEC Income Eligible slots are available and we accept vouchers."

Eligibility & application

Scholarship Boston Scores (East Boston FC)

East Boston FC Scholarships

Limited scholarships for East Boston FC soccer families in need, arranged by contacting the club's Community Programs Manager; the club also points families to the external Every Kid Sports Pass.

Who is eligible: "Scholarships are available on a limited basis when needed. Please contact our Community Programs Manager, Allison Saucier, for more information."

Eligibility & application

Sibling discount Boston Scores (East Boston FC)

East Boston FC Sibling Discount

25% discount for families registering more than one child in East Boston FC.

Who is eligible: "Families registering multiple children will receive a 25% discount."

Eligibility & application

Voucher Boston Children's Museum

Card to Culture (EBT / WIC admission)

Reduced admission of $3.00 per person (up to four people per card, per visit) for EBT and WIC cardholders; the museum also offers $1 Sunday afternoons (1-4pm), half-price library-coupon admission, and free admission for active-duty military and veterans.

Who is eligible: "Show your valid EBT or WIC card to pay $3.00 per person for up to four people per card, per visit." "Library patrons receive half-price admission for up to four people with a non-expired library coupon." "United States Armed Forces Active Duty Personnel and Veterans will receive complimentary admission."

Eligibility & application

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