Financial Assistance
Community Education strives to make classes and activities accessible by offering scholarships and fee assistance to those who qualify.
- Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE): Class fees are determined on a sliding fee scale based on family income. No one is turned away for inability to pay. If you need additional assistance, please call 651-425-7601.
- Preschool: Financial assistance is available for families that meet certain State eligibility requirements. Financial assistance can be applied for online when you are registering for preschool. Families may be required to provide proof of income. Those qualifying for assistance will also be required to complete a State Pathways Scholarship application. Limited district scholarships are available.
- Youth: Participants who qualify for Educational Benefits may request fee assistance to reduce the cost of Community Education activities and classes. Financial assistance MUST be requested ONE WEEK before the start of the class - late applications may be denied. All payments are due at the time of registration.
Contact
Main Office
651-425-6600
communityeducation@sowashco.org
8400 E Point Douglas Rd. S.
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Youth Financial Assistance:
Becky Lieder
Community Education Administrative Assistant
651-425-6616
rlieder@sowashco.org
Office Hours
7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
How to Apply for Youth Financial Assistance
Eligibility
- You must live within the boundaries of South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) ISD #833 or attend school within the district to qualify for financial assistance.
- Financial assistance does not cover the cost of uniforms. Participants must pay for uniforms.
- All information will be kept confidential.
- Effective for courses beginning July 1, 2026, we are updating our distribution structure to ensure financial assistance remains sustainable and reaches as many families as possible. These changes allow for a more equitable distribution of funds, helping us spread support across a broader range of participants and programs. By adjusting these rates, we can continue to provide meaningful discounts to district residents while maximizing the overall impact of our community resources.
- Free Educational Benefits: Families pay 45% of the course fee, minimum payment due $20.00.
- Reduced Educational Benefits: Families pay 50% of the course fee, minimum payment due $20.00.
- Up to $200 per participant in financial assistance is available each fiscal year (July 1–June 30).
- The maximum discount is $100 per course.
You must create an Eleyo account BEFORE you can complete the form below. DO NOT register online. A staff member must complete your registration to apply your discount. Note: We cannot provide refunds if you register and pay full price before your assistance is approved.
Learn how to create an account
Review all of the information below before applying.
Make a Donation To LearningSoWashCo Schools is the sixth largest school district in the state serving over 18,700 students. Our Youth Financial Assistance Fund helps lower the cost of activities for families in need living within the South Washington County Schools boundaries. During the 2024-25 school year, SoWashCo Community Education supported 736 youth programs and provided over $75,900 in financial assistance. Students were able to participate in quality enrichment programs such as ACT test prep, Driver Education, gymnastics, swim lessons, middle school athletics, robotics, STEM and more. These programs provide participants with the opportunity to pursue their interests, expand their abilities and improve social skills in a fun and safe environment. Participants are not the only ones who receive positive outcomes from their involvement in Community Education programs. The participant’s family, school and larger community all prosper when people are engaged in consistent, quality learning experiences. |
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