City Council, in partnership with Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, announces a new program to provide summer camp opportunities to Philadelphia families.
PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia City Councilmember Dr. Anthony A. Phillips (9th District) hosted a press conference on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Legacy Youth Tennis and Education’s LEGACY Center in East Falls to announce the launch of the Youth Access to Opportunities Grant (YAOG) program. The Youth Access Program is funded by Philadelphia City Council, championed by Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips and administered by Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP).
The program is designed to help Philadelphia families connect their children to meaningful experiences by offsetting the cost of participating in camp programs—such as sports, arts, and academic enrichment—that support personal growth, confidence and community engagement. Up to three children per family can apply to receive $200 in scholarship funding to be used towards tuition at participating summer camps across Philadelphia. Families are selected via a random lottery.
Summer camp partners currently include: Allens Lane Art Center, Camp Adonai at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Education, Sports, and Fun (ESF), Greene Street Friends, Just Wanna Danz, Legacy Youth Tennis and Education, Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, Philadelphia Youth Basketball, Summerside Camps at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Taller Puertorriqueño, The Arts League, The Chocolate Ballerina Company, The Greater Philadelphia YMCA and Work to Ride. New partners are being added on an ongoing basis.
In order to be eligible, families must live in Philadelphia, have a household income between $50,000 – $150,000 and have a student entering Kindergarten through 12th grade. Families must provide proof of residence, income and guardianship.
“When young people have access to safe spaces, strong mentors, and programs that challenge them to grow, we help shape leaders for the future.” said Councilmember Phillips.
“Every child deserves access to opportunities that open doors and expose them to activities that can help them reach their full potential. The Youth Access Program will help families across the City attend camps that otherwise may not be financially affordable for them, and give students a chance to experience activities that may have previously been out of reach,” said Keisha Jordan, President and CEO of Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia. “CSFP is proud to partner with Councilmember Phillips and City Council to oversee the distribution of scholarships for this new program.”
Families can apply for funding until March 27, 2026. To apply for the Youth Access Program or learn more about scholarship support, visit https://www.csfphiladelphia.org/youth-access-program/.
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About Councilmember Phillips
Councilmember Anthony Phillips represents the 9th District, which includes Mt. Airy, Crescentville, Fern Rock, Lawndale, Melrose Park Gardens, Summerdale, West Oak Lane, East Oak Lane, Lawncrest, Burholme, Olney, Oxford Circle, and Logan. He serves as Chair of Council’s Committee on Children & Youth.
About Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) changes lives by providing scholarship funding for Philadelphia families to choose a tuition-based school that meets their student’s educational needs. It is the largest and most diverse provider of K-8th scholarship support in Pennsylvania, focusing on the highest need students in the lowest-achieving schools in the city. During the 2025-26 school year, CSFP awarded more than 6,800 scholarships for K-8th grade students enrolled at more than 150 tuition-based schools in the Greater Philadelphia area. CSFP scholarships are need-based and awarded by random lottery. To learn more, please visit www.csfphiladelphia.org.