FISH of Sanibel-Captiva (FISH) continues to support working families through its Youth Scholarship Program, providing financial assistance for qualified households that need safe, reliable care for their children during after-school hours, school breaks, and throughout the summer.
With the Lee County School District’s Spring Break scheduled for March 16–20, many families are already planning for gaps in childcare. FISH’s Youth Scholarship Program is available year-round to help ease that stress by supporting access to camps and programs that offer children structured, supervised environments where they can learn, stay active, and socialize.
Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis, with assistance levels based on program cost, duration, and a family’s financial circumstances.
“For many families, childcare isn’t optional—it’s essential,” said Nitza Lopez, Social Services Director who oversees the program for FISH. “These scholarships help ensure children are in safe, supportive settings while parents are able to work, knowing their kids are learning, engaged, and cared for consistently throughout the year.”
For parents, the program provides peace of mind and stability during times when school is out or schedules change. One parent who previously received assistance shared how meaningful the support was for her family.
“Without this help, I don’t know how I would have managed school breaks and summer,” she said. “My child was in a program that felt safe and welcoming, and I was able to keep working without worrying every day.”
Her child shared, “I liked going because I got to learn new things and make friends.”
By supporting access to dependable childcare and enrichment programs, FISH helps families maintain routines, reduce stress, and create positive experiences for children during critical out-of-school hours. This support—made possible through donor generosity—helps families remain financially stable by reducing the risk of lost wages or missed work when childcare isn’t available, giving parents the ability to keep moving forward and focus on long-term stability for their families.
Families interested in learning more about youth scholarships or applying for assistance are encouraged to contact FISH directly. Please contact Nitza Lopez at 239-472-4775 or nitza@fishofsancap.org.
As always, FISH remains committed to being a safety net for the community. At the end of the day, the message is simple: FISH is for everyone.
