Financial Assistance
Need help covering the cost of school related expenses?
Fill out an Educational Benefits Application to find eligibility for assistance with school-related activities. Applications are processed beginning in August.
Online applications are processed through SchoolCafe, where applicants must sign in to their account.
Educational Benefits Applications help not just families, but kids across the district in many ways. Just one form ensures continued funding to support ALL kids in Stillwater schools. Families MUST fill out a new application for benefits at the beginning of each school year or benefits will expire! Applications begin processing in August.
Available Benefits
- Sports and activities: Reduced fees to participate on school teams or clubs
- Instruments, equipment and other supplies: Free or reduced costs to rent musical instruments, purchase equipment, or supplies needed for activities or sports
- Field Trips: Free or reduced costs to attend field trips with classes
- College Application & Testing Fees: Discount on fees associated with applying for college and for participating in academic testing such as SAT, ACT and Advanced Placement
- Utility help: Some companies offer reduced fees on utilities, such as electricity and internet
Benefits For All Students
- School Funding: Increased funding for our schools to ensure kids receive the support they need
- Technology Funding: Increased funding to schools to improve internet access, wireless and network services
Who can qualify for Education Benefits?
Children in households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), and foster children can receive educational benefits without reporting household income. Also, children can get educational benefits if their household income is within the maximum income shown for their household size on the instructions. Approval for educational benefits is good for the school year.
- Due to new state legislation, a complete breakfast and lunch meal are provided at no cost for all students.
- A list of additional resources available to those who qualify will be available soon.
Need an educational benefits letter?
- If an application was submitted online, it can be printed off in your Schoolcafe account.
- Check your e-mail: Most letters are sent via e-mail. Be sure to check the spam folder. Please note, letters are sent to the email address listed in PowerSchool.
- Call 651-351-8326 and request a letter to be e-mailed or printed and mailed. There is also an option to request the letter to be printed and picked up at the Central Services Building located at 1875 South Greeley Street in Stillwater.
Pursuant to United States Code, title 42, section 1758(b)(6)(A), the Department of Education shall enter into an agreement with the Department of Human Services to share the eligibility information provided by each school for the limited purpose of identifying children who may be eligible for medical assistance or MinnesotaCare. Parents must contact the school district in writing if they choose not to have this information disclosed.
Youth Advantage
Youth Advantage is a nonprofit organization that provides eligible young people access to activities offered in our community through financial need-based scholarships and loan of new or gently used athletic equipment, musical instruments, or other necessary items.
Families who live in Independent School District 834’s boundaries and 1) whose children qualify for Educational Benefits or 2) who have experienced a recent financial hardship, likely qualify for a Youth Advantage Scholarship. Serving students in grades K-12.
Valley Outreach
Valley Outreach is the only nonprofit in the St. Croix Valley / Stillwater, Minn. area that provides people with a wide range of support – whether they need food, clothing, or help to navigate resources during challenging times. Their programs include a food shelf, clothing program and client support services.
