Stars for Success!
It's never to early to build success
Stars for Success is a program that provides funding for families that need help to enrol their children (age 0 to 6 years) in recreation, art, sport and early learning programs. Families need to apply for the funding, which is paid directly to the service provider. Traditionally the funding has been up to $200 per calendar year, and families are asked to provide the name of a sponsor who will verify that they meet the criteria of having a total gross income of less than $38,000 per year. Funding to support the program comes from the Success by 6 initiative and from donations.
We are pleased to report that over the past year (2009) the Stars for Success program saw a dramatic increase in use. We were able to assist over 120 West Kootenay children and their families to access a wide variety of community art, recreation, sport and early learning programs, at a total cost of over $15,000 in subsidies. Applications were even received from communities where parents had not applied before.
However, this popularity of the program has led us to evaluate our ability to respond to ongoing requests. Our goal is to continue offering assistance to families in need, in a fair and equitable manner, without having to turn away applicants. Therefore, beginning in January 2010, the maximum amount per child will be $100 per calendar year. We will continue to seek donations to replenish the fund, and look forward to helping West kootenay families throughout 2010.
Who can apply?
Stars for Success is for families that need financial help to enroll their children in a program. Families with a total gross income of less than $38,000 per year may apply.
How much can I apply for?
You can apply for up to $100 per child each calendar year. (January - December)
How old must my child be?
We will sponsor children up to their 6th birthday.
What types of programs will you sponsor?
We will sponsor recreation programs like swimming, gymnastics, dancing, arts and music programs, and CCRR Toy Library membership fees.
How do I apply?
Many local children's programs, recreation centres, family centres, have application forms. Or you can get an application form from our website, wwwsuccessby6wk.com. Mail your completed form to herefor a downloadable PDF application form.
When should I apply?
You should apply before you enroll your child in a program. We will not sponsor a child after they have completed a program. If you want to make sure your child gets in to a popular program, you can enroll your child and tell the program that you will be applying for Stars for Success. We cannot guarantee you will be approved, so please apply early.
How long does it take to get approval?
Please allow up to two weeks from when we receive your application. We will contact you to let you know you have been approved.
Who gets the money?
The money is paid directly to the program. We do not reimburse fees to parents.
What is a Sponsor?
A sponsor is someone who knows your family who can confirm that you need financial support so your child can attend the program you choose.
Who can be a sponsor?
A sponsor must be someone who works with families. It can be a preschool or child care educator, school principal or teacher, doctor or public health nurse, counsellor, family resource staff, etc. The most important thing is that the sponsor knows you and can attest to your financial need.
Who cannot be a sponsor?
A sponsor cannot be someone who works for or is connected to the program you wish to send your child to. A sponsor cannot be related to you or be a close friend or neighbour.
Apply for Stars for Success
Click here to download a printable copy of the application form. You can either fax or mail the completed form back to us.
Stars for Success Guidelines
Stars for Success is a program that directs community fundraised dollars to assist young children to attend early childhood, early learning, arts or recreation programs that their families would not normally be able to afford.
The goal is to increase young children's community connectedness to help them build skills so they will develop a solid foundation for future learning.
Monies are paid directly to the organization or program providing the service. Children may apply for more than one program or activity per year.
Applications can be made year round. Applications need to be completed and signed by a parent/caregiver.
The application is easy to complete and parents need only have someone who knows them, who works with children and families, sponsor them. This can be a preschool or day care teacher, doctor, nurse, social worker, school principal or teacher, or others.
The person who sponsors a child to attend a program cannot be someone who works for or is connected to the program the parent is applying for.
Only existing programs are eligible. We will not sponsor new programs that have not already operated.
We will only sponsor children for 'group' activities. We do not sponsor individual lessons, for example piano lessons.
Qualified people with criminal record checks will run all programs that children can attend.
Please return completed applications to:
Stars for Success
#304-625 Front Street
Nelson BC V1L 4B6
Fax: 250-352-6712
For more information contact:
250-352-6786
colleen@thekoop.ca