Scholarship Program

In Corvallis and Benton County, Everyone Plays!

Corvallis Parks and Recreation strives to work with the Benton County community to eliminate fees as a barrier to participation in classes and activities. No one should be left out of the fun simply because their income is limited. 

These financial scholarships are awarded to Benton County residents on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).  Thanks to donations from the Benton County Foundation, businesses, and individuals, Parks and Recreation can offer individuals and families financial scholarships to cover activity fees. If your income is between 0 and 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can receive 100% off the cost of activities and classes, up to the $150 maximum in financial assistance per family member per fiscal year. The scholarship can be used to pay for most recreation programs at all Parks and Recreation sites: Avery Park Office, the Corvallis Community Center, the Majestic Theatre and the Osborn Aquatic Center.

Donations to help support this neighbor-friendly program are accepted year-round and are always appreciated!  Donations can be made online or in person, by phone, or by mail at any Parks and Recreation office.

How It Works

The Activity Scholarship is available for residents of Benton County only. Participants use the $150 award towards the cost of most of the recreation classes listed in our Activity Guide, including classes at the the Corvallis Community Center, the Majestic Theatre, and Osborn Aquatic Center. In addition, all Activity Scholarship recipients are eligible to receive an Osborn Aquatic Center membership that covers single-person entry into open recreation swim times.

While the award can be used to help pay for most Parks & Recreation classes, Activity Scholarships may not be used to pay for: 

• Linn-Benton Community College co-sponsored classes 
• Osborn Aquatic Center admission fees for non-scholarship recipients
• Classes that require students pay at the class or directly to the instructor

How to Apply 

Award applications are currently being accepted for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.  

To apply: 

1.) Complete the Activity Scholarship Program application (PDF) (aplicación en Español). Applications are also available at the Parks and Recreation Office in Avery Park, the Osborn Aquatic Center, the Corvallis Community Center and the Majestic Theatre. 

2.) Attach your proof of eligibility. Preferred documentation may include, but is not limited to: 

• Proof of Public Assistance (letter confirming you will receive TANF, WIC -photo copies of cards are not accepted); 
• Copy of your letter outlining your Social Security Benefits;
• Copy of Unemployment Benefits statement;
• Verification of eligibility provided through Benton County Health Department;
• Verification of eligibility provided through the Corvallis School District 509J Free/Reduced Lunch Program. 
• If you do not have one of the preferred methods to verify income, submit one of the following:
  • Copy of most recent paycheck for all those currently employed;
  • Copy of the front page of most recent tax returns.

We do not accept bank statements, unofficial documentation or the Oregon Trail Card as proof of eligibility. 

3.) Submit the completed application with attached proof of eligibility to any Parks and Recreation office (the Administrative Office in Avery Park, the Osborn Aquatic Center, the Corvallis Community Center, or the Majestic Theatre). You may also mail your application and proof of eligibility to: Corvallis Parks and Recreation, 1310 SW Avery Park Drive, Corvallis, OR 97333, or fax to our office at 541-754-1701. 

4.) Allow 10 business days for processing. You will be notified by postal mail of your Family Assistance status within 10 business days of submitting the application and documentation of eligibility. Your eligibility will be determined based on your total household income when compared to the Poverty Guideline chart.