Rapid Response Scholarship Application

The West Cook YMCA sees no better expression of our goal to promote social equity in our communities than through our scholarship program. Your Y promises to open its doors to all and provide access to a healthy spirit, mind, and body regardless of ability to pay. Because of our members who have generously contributed to the Annual Support Campaign, we have been able to serve our communities’ needs in this manner and are ready to continue supporting those who now find themselves in need.

Our Rapid Response Scholarship Program is available for those who live in our service area (Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, Maywood, Bellwood, Melrose Park, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Stone Park, and River Grove). This updated and improved scholarship program is designed to provide rapid financial assistance approval to those in need without encumbering them with an extended, slow process. 

We are asking you to select your current household's monthly income level to provide a rapid response scholarship for your first month back. In order to receive an additional 3 months of financial assistance, you will need to submit proof of your monthly income to our team at scholarship@westcookymca.org by the 20th of the month that you are first approved. Any scholarships approved after the 20th, will begin the following month. 

If you have received a scholarship in the last 12 months, please understand that scholarships will first be awarded to new recipients, all renewing scholarship applicants will be placed on a waiting list pending available funds. Applications will be time stamped by the day and time they are submitted by JotForm. 

By signing below, you understand and agree to the following:

• An email is required to receive a scholarship as this is the form of communication used by the scholarship team.
• Scholarships for membership will range from 30% to 60%. Program scholarships, if approved, will be capped at 50%.
• Scholarships will be provided to new applicants first and any remaining funds will be allocated to those who are renewing on or after the 20th of the month. Scholarships are on a first come, first serve basis. There will be a wait list that is determined by the timestamp from JotForm.
• Until further notice, Rapid Response Scholarship are only available to current members who can confirm their residency as being within the West Cook YMCA service area (Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, Maywood, Bellwood, Melrose Park, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Stone Park, and River Grove). Scholarships only apply to Adult (21+), Youth (ages 6-17), and Household membership rates.
• To ensure contributions allocated to fund scholarships are being utilized for their intended use, scholarships are subject to be forfeited if the member does not check-in to the Y at least 3 times a week. If the scholarship is forfeited, the membership will become a full-paying membership. Attendance will be checked weekly. Recipients will receive a one-week grace period before any terminations. All communications will be done through email.
• Current scholarship recipients should apply for a Rapid Response Scholarship 30 days before their current scholarship expires. A current scholarship does not guarantee additional scholarships.
• When a scholarship expires or is redistributed due to a lack of use, members will become responsible for paying the full membership fee on the next fee draft date. If you do not wish to accept the charges, you can contact us at memberservices@westcookymca.org to terminate your membership by the 20th of the month. If you do not contact us, you will be responsible for any monthly membership fees after the scholarship terminates.
• If for any reason a scholarship is terminated, the West Cook YMCA will make a good faith effort to communicate by the email address provided.
• Program scholarships are not guaranteed. The scholarship team will follow up with more details if funding is available. You must be a member receiving a Rapid Response Scholarship to apply for a program scholarship.