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Scholarship Programs

Des Moines Parks and Recreation offers scholarships for programming offered through the department:

  • The Youth Recreational Scholarship Program (YRSP) is offered in partnership with Des Moines Public Schools and allows students to receive $5 swim lesson and/or youth sport experiences. To opt-in via Des Moines Public Schools for YRSP, click here: Parks and Recreation Scholarship Opt-In.
  • The Greater Des Moines Recreational Activity Scholarship Program (GRASP) is a program that gives access to discounts for households within Des Moines that meet established guidelines.
Scholarship Chart

To opt-in via Des Moines Public Schools for YRSP, click here: Parks and Recreation Scholarship Opt-In.

YRSP Frequently Asked Questions 

Youth Recreational Scholarship Program (YRSP)

What is YRSP?
The Youth Recreational Scholarship Program is for Des Moines Public School students who are enrolled in the free or reduced-priced meals program to receive discounts on youth sports and swim lessons.
How do I gain access to the program?
Eligible participants will have the ability to opt-in through the Des Moines Public Schools website during the registration period. 
What are the perks?
Swim Lessons - $5 per qualified participant
  • Grades Pre-K through 12
  • Excludes private swim lessons
Youth Sports - $5 per qualified participant
  • Grades Pre-K through 7
  • Sports: Basketball, Flag Football, Volleyball, Soccer, Baseball/Tee Ball/Kickball
How do I become eligible?
Electronic opt-In process through Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) Portal. This link will be emailed to all families who are eligible to activate the scholarship and be promoted during enrollment for each school year. Opting in can be done at any time throughout the school year through the DMPS website.

GRASP (Greater Des Moines Recreational Activity Scholarship Program)

What is GRASP?
GRASP stands for Greater Des Moines Recreational Activity Scholarship Program. This program allows low-income families discounts on programs and rentals. Explore our website or call 515-237-1386 if you have questions about Des Moines Parks and Recreation programs or shelter rentals.
How do I gain access to the program?
Answer yes to the following questions:
  • Are you in a resident of Des Moines?
  • Does your household meet the established income guidelines below?
  • Has your income been verified?
Call IMPACT Community Action Partnership at 515-518-4770 to schedule an appointment or walk-in to 500 Army Post Road, Suite 17 or 3226 University Avenue to verify your income and talk more about this program.

Household Size

Household Income

1

$30,350

2

$41,150

3

$51,950

4

$62,750

5

$73,550

6

$84,350
What are the perks?
$5 - Youth Sports Registrations and Swim Lessons

Receive 50% off the following:
  • Open-Air Shelters
  • Boat and Bike Rentals at Gray's Lake
Receive 75% or more off the following:
  • Season Swim Passes
  • Community Garden Plot

 

Regular Cost

GRASP Cost

Individual Passes

$45

$11.25

Family (2 people)

$80

$20

Family (3 people)

$110

$27.50

Family (4 people)

$140

$35

Family (5 people)

$145

$40

Family (6 people)

$150

$45
 
Additional GRASP card discounts:
  • 1 free child admission with a paid adult admission to the Science Center of Iowa
  • 1 free child admission with a paid adult admission to the Blank Park Zoo
  • 1 free child admission with a paid adult admission to the Benton Skating Plaza
How do I become eligible?
Verification of total income through IMPACT Community Action Partnership using approved list of documents (i.e. paycheck, taxes, etc). Call (515) 518-4770 to set up an appointment with IMPACT at one of their two locations.