Youth Access Program
The Youth Access to Opportunities Grant (YAOG), funded by Philadelphia City Council and championed by Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips, is designed to help Philadelphia families connect their children to meaningful experiences. Through a partnership with Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP), eligible families can apply for scholarship support to offset the cost of participating in camp programs.
Scholarship Opportunity
CSFP was selected to administer the Youth Access to Opportunity Grant. This scholarship provides Philadelphia families with children in grades K-12 with a grant of $200 towards summer programming at participating programs.
Program Details
Scholarships will be awarded through a random lottery. Families who are selected will be notified, and then required to complete a registration and pay a non-refundable $25 registration fee for each student.
$200 per child
Scholarships are available for up to 3 children per household.
Used toward tuition
Funds must be applied towards tuition at a participating camp.
Grades K-12
Funding available for rising Kindergarteners through rising seniors.
Eligibility Requirements
Families must meet all of the following requirements:
Live in Philadelphia County (proof of residence is required)
Have a household income between $50,000 – $150,000
Provide proof of income
Provide proof of guardianship for each child
Youth Access Program - Scholarship Application
Applications are open!
Lottery applications are open from March 2 through March 27, 2026. Families will be notified of their selection in two cycles: on March 17 and March 31.
Families who are selected will be notified via email on a rolling basis between mid-March and mid-April.
We encourage all families to apply as soon as the application opens, and share this opportunity with friends.
Camp Partners
CSFP partners with organizations across the City that provide summer camp programming. Click on each image below to be redirected to the partners’ websites to explore programs.
CSFP is adding new partners on an ongoing basis. Please check back regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application process?
The 2026 Scholarship Lottery for YAOG opens on Monday, March 2, 2026. Applications are submitted via our website through March 27, 2026. Families will be selected in two cycles: March 17th and March 31st. Families are encouraged to apply early!
If selected in our random lottery, registration instructions will be sent via email.
Who is eligible to apply to the lottery?
All applicants must:
- Reside in Philadelphia (proof of address required)
- Have children entering Kindergarten through 12th grade in Fall 2026
- Meet the YAOG household income requirements of $50,000–$150,000 (proof of income required)
- Provide proof of guardianship for all children listed on the application
How many times can I apply to the lottery?
Families may submit one lottery application per household for up to three (3) children.
The lottery system identifies duplicate entries. Any duplicate applications will be deleted to ensure only one entry per family is included in the drawing.
Should I apply for the lottery if I am unsure of the camp program I am selecting?
Yes! Families can view an updated list of participating camp partners on our website.
I have already registered at one of the partner camps? Should I enter the lottery?
Yes! We would encourage you to apply, and if selected, take your award letter to the participating camp partner to discuss your options.
I applied to the lottery! What happens next?
CSFP will conduct two lottery drawings on March 17th and March 31st.
- Selected families will be notified by email.
- Families must submit a $25 registration fee per student by the stated deadline to secure the scholarship.
- Families not selected in either cycle will be notified by late Spring.
What do I do once I receive my award letter and coupon code?
If selected and awarded a scholarship, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to:
- Research camp options
- Apply directly to the camp
- Complete enrollment with the camp provider
Camp program availability is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much of a scholarship will I receive?
Families will not receive funds directly. The scholarship will be applied to the total cost of tuition at your chosen camp provider. CSFP will reimburse participating camp partners for $225 directly in August 2026. The reimbursement will include the $25 registration fee paid to secure the scholarship. Each camp provider determines how the scholarship is applied toward tuition.
How many children can receive a scholarship if selected in the lottery?
Families can apply for up to three (3) scholarships for children in their household for children entering grades K through 12th.
Can I use my scholarship at any camp provider I choose?
CSFP has partnered with 10 + camp providers. The scholarship can only be used at these camps. Please review our website for a list of our participating camp partners. Camps are being added frequently!
How long will I have to use the scholarship?
Once selected, families will be invited to register and pay a $25 registration fee per child. After the registration is complete, you will receive your award letter with a coupon code. You must use your coupon code at a camp partner site by the expiration date provided in the letter.
The camp scholarship can only be used towards 2026 camp programs and cannot be transferred or held for a future year.