Michael ’ s Gift Scholarship Program Available to Support Upcoming Spring Youth Activities
By: Orange County Communications Department
Despite Punxsutawney Phil ’ s prediction of an additional six (6) weeks of winter, spring is indeed on its way. Families with children involved in youth activities are keenly aware that soccer, baseball, softball, and a
host of other activities will once again be in full swing. Along with the fun, participation in said activities involves costs like registration fees, gear expenses, and more. Orange County families should know programs are available to help with some of these expenses. One of these programs is the Michael ’ s Gift Youth Activities Scholarship program, managed by the Orange County Office on Youth. The purpose of Michael's Gift is to help Orange County youth reach their full potential by assisting with the enrollment expenses of extracurricular enrichment activities such as karate, art classes, sports programs, music lessons, and more.
This program began through a memorial fund raised in honor of Michael Ridgeway, a local youth with a kind heart who tragically passed away at the age of six (6). H e was a typical little boy: loud, always dirty, a lover of helicopters and soccer balls, but mostly his family and friends remember him for his unwavering compassion, quite beyond his years. He was a "smiler" and a giver, and it wasn't uncommon that he would show up to his kindergarten class with homemade presents for everyone. Michael's family and friends thought the best way to keep his memory alive was to create a program that would reflect his caring attitude toward others.
To be considered for funding, an interested parent or guardian must complete a Michael ’ s Gift application, available on the Orange County website or by contacting the Office on Youth. For eligibility, the youth must be younger than eighteen (18) years of age. They must be a resident of Orange County, Virginia, or attend Orange County Public Schools. A maximum of $100 may be requested in a child ’ s application. This amount is also the maximum that can be received in a calendar year, per child. With the goal of supporting the greatest number of youth possible, there is a “ step - down ” element built into the funding structure. Simply put, the total amount of funding a single youth can receive is reduced consecutively each year funding is provided. In most cases, a copayment will be required from the parent or guardian, and the amount will depend on the difference between the program ’ s registration fee and the amount of funding for which the child is eligible.
All applications are reviewed on a case - by - case basis by the Michael ’ s Gift committee. Not all programs are eligible for support. To learn more or download the application, please visit: www.orangecountyva.gov/285/ Michaels - Gift. If you have questions, please contact the Office on Youth at (540) 672 - 5484.
Page 13 | February, 2022
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