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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, Housing and Financial Assistance, Recreational Activities

Recreation Financial Assistance Programs

The City of Rockville believes that everyone—regardless of income, age, or background—should have the opportunity to participate in recreation and childcare programs that enrich lives and build community. The Recreation and Parks Department offers a wide range of affordable, high-quality programs, and is committed to removing financial barriers through assistance programs like the Youth Recreation Fund and Senior Assistance Fund.

These funds help individuals and families participate in many of Rockville’s signature offerings, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Montrose Discovery Preschool: Our licensed preschool provides a nurturing and engaging early childhood education, helping children develop social, emotional, and school-readiness skills in a supportive environment.
  • Summer Camps and After-School Programs: From sports to science and the arts, our youth programs encourage creativity, learning, and fun during out-of-school time.
  • Youth and Adult Sports Leagues: Kids and adults alike can stay active and connect with the community through organized soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and more.
  • Rockville Swim and Fitness Center: Residents of all ages can take advantage of swim lessons, water fitness, lap swimming, and strength training.
  • Cultural Arts and Enrichment Programs: Explore your creative side through music, dance, visual arts, and theater programs.
  • Programs for Older Adults: The Rockville Senior Center offers health and wellness programs, lifelong learning, and social events designed to help older adults thrive.

In addition to the financial assistance programs listed below, limited financial assistance (based on income) is also available for adult Rockville residents ages 19 and older. Call 240-314-8620 to make an appointment.

To learn more about programs or apply for financial assistance, call 240-314-8620 or email registration@rockvillemd.gov.

Required Documentation

Qualified applicants must provide proof of residency and meet financial requirements.

Accepted documents for proof of residency include one of the following:

  • Current City of Rockville water and sewage bill (property owners).
  • Property tax bill (in client name and address).
  • State-issued identification card or driver’s license with City of Rockville address.

One of these financial requirements must be met:

  • Award letter from Maryland Department of Human Resources/Montgomery County Department of Social Services verifying eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Food Stamps (SNAP), Transitional Emergency Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA), or Working Parents Assistance Program (WPA). The letter must indicate eligibility period and names of household members receiving benefits.
  • Proof of medical assistance from Montgomery County Department of Social Services. Form to be received from county offices.
  • Proof of rental assistance: public housing, HUD Section 8 housing, or HOC (MPDU not accepted for applicants purchasing a home). This must be a current document from the agency providing assistance which names the eligible tenants.
  • Proof participant resides in a shelter: Letter from shelter dated within a month of application and, if applicable, listing dependents living at shelter. 
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Document must be dated within one year of application.
  • MCPS Free and Reduced Meals Program (FARMS).
  • Care for Kids (healthcare program).
  • Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP).
  • Montgomery County HHS Rental Assistance Program.
  • Maryland unemployment benefits.
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Youth Recreation Fund

A limited number of scholarships for program fees are available for Rockville residents ages 18 and younger. The participant must pay $15 toward each program fee unless otherwise specified. The fund will cover the balance of the fees, up to $100 maximum per person, per session (fall, winter, spring, summer) and $1,000 maximum per family. For the summer camp season, the fund will cover $175 maximum per youth for each camp session and $1,000 maximum per child. Any remaining balance must be paid by the participant. For more information, or to apply for the Youth Recreation Fund, call 240-314-8620 or email registration@rockvillemd.gov.

Children play a basketball game in a gymnasium, with one child dribbling the ball while others run beside him. A referee and spectators are visible in the background.

Senior Assistance Fund

Financial assistance for senior classes, day trips, and Rockville Senior Center memberships is available for Rockville residents ages 60 and older. The participant pays half of the actual cost with a maximum subsidy of $50 per quarter. For additional information, call 240-314-8810.

Senior Assistance Fund Application
A woman sits on a yoga mat in a gym, holding a medicine ball and twisting her torso, with additional medicine balls nearby.

Rockville Safe Waters: Swim Scholarship Program for Youth with Autism

The Rockville Safe Waters Swim Scholarship Program provides eligible youth with access to inclusive swim lessons in a safe, supportive environment. The program is designed for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD) and promotes water safety, physical development, and family engagement.

The scholarship covers one child for one class season, one time. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and scholarships are awarded while funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who meet the eligibility requirements. Applications are reviewed and selections are made by the Rockville Safe Waters Committee.

To be considered for a scholarship, the participant must:

  • Be ages 3-15 and have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD).
  • Be ready to participate in group swim lessons.
  • Be able to attend in-person swim lessons at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center.
  • Be accompanied by an adult at the pool, including on the pool deck during lessons.

Complete the scholarship application below and return the completed application by email to programaccess@rockvillemd.gov. For more information, call 240-314-8611 or email programaccess@rockvillemd.gov.

Rockville Safe Waters Scholarship Application

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Contact

Recreation and Parks Department
Recreation Services Division
240-314-8620
registration@rockvillemd.gov

Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Address
Taft Center
6 Taft Court
Rockville, MD 20850