Youth enrolled in Oakland Kids First (OKF) programs including REAL HARD after school youth leadership, the Youth Organizing Council (YOC) or the Knight Time, Castle Cares and Knight Success programs at Castlemont are eligible to apply for extra support during periods of unexpected hardship. This includes needs that you and your family may have during crises and during other times of financial uncertainty. Support will be prioritized for student participants and their familes in Oakland Kids First programs only.
Information provided in this application will be reviewed by the OKF Program Manager and the Associate Director. Additional OKF program staff, school staff or social service teams willbe brought in with your permission to offer additional support.
Staff will follow up with you by phone or email to discuss your application.
Support and cash assistance available through the Student Relief Fund ranges depending on the needs of each applicant.
Types of support or resources available:
- Money available in the form of check made out to the student requesting aid
- Gift cards to grocery stores, gas stations, or other essential services
- Support navigating and accessing resources to find temporary or long term lodging if you find yourself homeless or in an unsafe housing situation
- Food boxes with free groceries
- Connections to local services such as SNAP and CalFresh
- Connections to mental health providers or counselors to process trauma
- Technology needed for school or program related internships
*Please note anyone receiving $600 or more in a year will need to fill out a tax form that asks for your social security number. If you cannot provide this information or prefer not to, our staff can work with you to keep the total amount of stipends, funding gift cards or support under $600.