Now Accepting Applications: Summer Scholarships for Children with Special Needs

Families of children with special needs often face added barriers to accessing safe, supportive, and enriching summer programs. That’s why the Children’s Services Council of Leon County (CSC Leon) has launched a dedicated Special Needs Summer Scholarship Program—created specifically to help cover the cost of summer care for children and youth with documented special needs.

What is the Special Needs Summer Scholarship?

This scholarship provides up to $600 per eligible child to help cover the cost of attending an approved full-day or wrap-around summer program. A higher award may be available for overnight camps on CSC Leon’s approved list. Scholarships are issued directly to participating programs on a weekly basis, based on attendance.

Who Is Eligible?

To apply, your child must:

• Live in Leon County, and
• Have a documented special need, confirmed by one of the following:
  • A current Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  • A current 504 Plan
  • A letter from a licensed medical provider or mental health professional indicating a diagnosed disability or special need

How the Scholarship Works:

1. Apply Online: Complete the application form at https://lxm.cc/22m07p. You’ll be asked to:
   • Select an approved summer program
   • Indicate the amount of support you’re seeking
   • Upload proof of Leon County residency
   • Upload documentation of your child’s special need
     
2. Wait for Approval: Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on the program’s published weekly rates. You’ll receive a notification once your scholarship is approved.
   
3. Final Enrollment: CSC Leon will share your application with the summer program you selected. The program will finalize your child’s enrollment and begin tracking attendance.
   
4. Attendance-Based Reimbursement: Programs are reimbursed each week your child attends.

Note, families can combine this scholarship with Step Up for Students or similar programs—but not with ELC vouchers (School Readiness nor VPK).

Where Can My Child Attend?

CSC Leon is partnering with a growing list of local summer programs specifically designed to support children with special needs. Programs pre-approved are included in the drop down in the Family Application. If the summer program you’d like to attend isn’t on this list but you believe they meet the criteria, you can enter the program’s information directly in the application. If the program meets our criteria, CSC Leon will reach out to them to help get them qualified and confirmed!

Don’t Miss Out!

Summer is a time for children to grow, connect, and thrive. The CSC Leon Special Needs Summer Scholarship Program makes it easier for families to access the support they need—but space is limited and scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis.

Apply now at https://lxm.cc/22m07p and give your child a summer to remember!

Have questions? Contact info@cscleon.org or call our main number at 850-764-2966.