Iredell County Parks and Recreation, North Carolina

Iredell County Parks and Recreation launched a Youth Athletics Scholarship program in 2024 to help make sports more accessible for families facing financial barriers. Using Recreation Management’s Document Management module to streamline the process, the department created a way for qualifying families—those enrolled in SNAP or similar programs—to receive up to 75% off youth athletic registration fees.

In its first year, the program distributed 352 scholarships, totaling more than $26,000 in support for local families. On average, each scholarship contributed about $74 toward participation, directly reducing the financial strain that often prevents children from joining teams. The county’s leaders see youth sports as more than recreation; they believe in the lifelong lessons, friendships, and community bonds that come from participation.

From fall of 2024 to spring of 2025, scholarship applications increased by more than 100%. This growth shows not only the program’s immediate impact but also the community’s growing awareness and trust in the opportunity. The county anticipates further increases in applications as more families learn about the scholarships.

This initiative represents a broader commitment from Iredell County’s elected officials to invest in youth development and inclusivity. By removing financial barriers, the program allows more children to experience the benefits of teamwork, skill-building, and healthy activity. Families who may have felt excluded in the past now have a clearer path to participation, and the department expects the program to expand in future years. Through thoughtful planning, consistent support, and effective use of technology, Iredell County has created a scholarship program that meets a real need and lays the foundation for a more equitable approach to youth recreation.