Financial aid & scholarships in Chelsea

Fee waivers, sliding scales and scholarships published by the organizations that run these programs — each with who is eligible and the page that decides it. Nothing here is estimated from a family's income, and a program with no aid published simply does not appear. A few are awards toward college rather than help with a program fee; those are labelled College scholarship.

1 of the 142 program in Chelsea say they offer financial aid or a scholarship, and 7 schemes are set out below.

Scholarship Chelsea Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department

Youth Families Recreation Cultural Engagement Scholarship Program

A city scholarship program that covers most of the cost of registered summer camps and recreation/cultural programs for Chelsea youth and families, with funds paid to approved organizations to reduce participant expenses.

What it covers: Scholarships provide up to 90% coverage of approved program costs. Award range: $500 - $1,000, with a larger request considered based on merit.
Who is eligible: For Chelsea residents; income is self-reported using household guidelines, and families provide proof of Chelsea residency and confirmation of program enrollment. Scholarships support Chelsea resident participation in registered summer camps and recreation/cultural programs.

Eligibility & application

Scholarship Chelsea Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department

Chelsea Youth Sports Fund

A city fund that supports local youth sports leagues and teams so they can keep playing costs affordable, with savings passed on to participants and families.

What it covers: The maximum award per applicant is $9,000.
Who is eligible: Administered by Chelsea Recreation Cultural Affairs and open to local leagues and teams; priority is given to programs that demonstrate financial need and a commitment to affordability. Applications open in July and are accepted on a rolling basis through December 1.

Eligibility & application

Fee waiver Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston - Gerald and Darlene Jordan Club (Chelsea)

Free youth membership, 2025-2026 school year

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston waived the annual membership fee at its Chelsea Club for the 2025-2026 school year, removing the cost of joining.

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 are free for the 2025-2026 school year. The Club serves youth ages 6-12 and teens ages 13-18. There are no additional costs except for summer camp, which has a separate application and fee.

Eligibility & application

College scholarship Chelsea Education Foundation

Chelsea Education Foundation Scholarships

An annual set of scholarships awarded to Chelsea High School graduating seniors and current college students from the Chelsea School District.

What it covers: The Foundation awarded $36,900 in scholarships in 2025 and has awarded over 1,130 scholarships since 2001.
Who is eligible: Available to Chelsea High School graduating seniors and/or current college students living within the Chelsea School District. CEF Scholarships require an essay, and applications are accessed through the Chelsea School District Counseling Office.

Eligibility & application

Scholarship Chelsea Theatre Works / Apollinaire Play Lab

Apollinaire Play Lab Scholarships and EBT Pricing

Scholarships for any student who needs one, with reduced EBT-card pricing on youth theater classes.

Who is eligible: Scholarships are available for all students who need it to attend! Tuition for a 10-week class is $145 for the entire 10-weeks, $50 for EBT card holders. Families who don't have EBT cards can request scholarship assistance by filling out a short form during registration online or in person.

Eligibility & application

Scholarship Mini Movers Studio

Mini Movers Studio Scholarship Program

Confidential need-based dance scholarships for Chelsea-area studio and mobile locations, awarded on need, commitment and space.

Who is eligible: Mini Movers Studio is committed to making dance accessible to all children! If your family would benefit from financial assistance, please complete this confidential application. Scholarships are awarded based on need, commitment, and space availability.

Eligibility & application

Sliding scale YMCA of Greater Boston

YMCA of Greater Boston ACCESS Financial Assistance

Sliding-scale, need-based financial assistance for YMCA membership, programs and camp.

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.

Eligibility & application

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