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.
10 schemes serve Wakefield families.
Fee waiver
Wakefield Public Schools
Wakefield Public Schools athletic and extracurricular fee waiver
Families whose children qualify for free or reduced-price meals pay a discounted athletic user fee, and a $675 family cap waives remaining athletics, marching band, winter percussion and winter color guard fees for the rest of the school year.
- What it covers
- Standard $225 per child; free-meal $112.50; reduced-meal $168.75; varsity ice hockey $525; JV ice hockey $400; family cap $675
- Who is eligible
- Reduced-meal recipients pay 75% of the standard fee; free-meal recipients pay 50%. The $675 family cap applies to all households once reached; additional hockey fees are excluded from the cap.
Financial aid
Wakefield Public Schools (School Nutrition)
Wakefield Public Schools free and reduced-price meal benefit
Massachusetts funds one free breakfast and one free lunch for every student, and families who still file the federal free and reduced-price meal application can share that status with other programs using the district's consent form.
- Who is eligible
- Households within the federal income guidelines for free or reduced-price meals; one application per family, submitted at any time during the school year. Free/reduced status is the route by which school fee waivers are granted.
College scholarship
The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield
The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield scholarships
Need-based scholarships, plus a few merit awards, for Wakefield residents enrolled full-time in degree or certificate programs at colleges, career schools and graduate schools; applicants submit a FAFSA Submission Summary and financial documentation.
- What it covers
- Need-based; the foundation reports more than $17.9 million awarded across 13,275+ scholarships since 1960
- Who is eligible
- Wakefield residents pursuing post-secondary education, enrolled as full-time students; may apply every year they are enrolled. The 2026-2027 application deadline was May 5, 2026.
Scholarship
Wakefield Rotary Club
Wakefield Rotary Club scholarships
Club-funded scholarships: the Rotary Youth Leadership Award for Wakefield high-school sophomores and juniors, the Bob Crawford Unsung Hero Award for Wakefield High seniors, and the Service Above Self Vocational Tool Award for Wakefield residents graduating from Northeast Metro Tech.
- What it covers
- RYLA $325; Bob Crawford Unsung Hero Award $500; Service Above Self Vocational Tool Award $500
- Who is eligible
- RYLA: any student residing in Wakefield enrolled as a sophomore or junior. Bob Crawford: Wakefield High School seniors who have served their community. Service Above Self: graduating Northeast Metro Tech seniors who are Wakefield residents.
Sliding scale
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)
State subsidy that pays child-care and out-of-school-time providers directly for Massachusetts families who meet the program's income and service-need rules; families pay a parent fee based on family size and income, and many families pay nothing.
- What it covers
- Parent fee varies by family size and income; many families have no fee
- Who is eligible
- Based on who is in the household, income at or below 85% of State Median Income (some referrals are exempt), and a qualifying service need such as work, training, education or a DTA/DCF referral; benefits run 12 months and funding shortages create a statewide waitlist.
Scholarship
Wakefield Soccer Association
WSA Scholarship
Two $1,000 college scholarships awarded each year to former WSA participants and/or referees.
- Who is eligible
- Wakefield Soccer Association will be awarding 2 $1,000 scholarships. Any former WSA participant and/or referee that will be attending college in the fall is welcome to apply.
Scholarship
Wakefield Music
Wakefield Music Scholarships
Limited scholarships for private/group music lessons, plus loaner instruments for families in financial need.
- Who is eligible
- Limited scholarships are available to those who qualify.
Financial aid
Boys & Girls Club of Metro North
Boys & Girls Club Camp Financial Assistance and Vouchers
Camp scholarships and Massachusetts state childcare vouchers (EEC/Child Care Circuit) accepted for Camp Wakefield.
- Who is eligible
- Massachusetts state vouchers (EEC/Child Care Circuit) and limited financial assistance were available for the 2026 season. This will return with 2027 registration; check the financial assistance application when it reopens.
Financial aid
Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts
Girl Scouts Financial Assistance
Financial assistance toward Girl Scout membership dues and council service fees, requested at checkout.
- Who is eligible
- If you require financial assistance, please select the financial assistance option during checkout and we will contact you with more information.
Sliding scale
YMCA of Greater Boston (Burbank YMCA)
YMCA of Greater Boston ACCESS Financial Assistance
Sliding-scale, need-based financial assistance for YMCA membership, programs and camp, including the Burbank YMCA serving Wakefield.
- 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.