The Coeur d'Alene-based nonprofit CDAIDE is hoping to spend $17,000 on kids of local hospitality workers by June.

Through the children's activity scholarship program, funded by a grant from the Women's Gift Alliance, CDAIDE is seeking applicants who live or work in Coeur d'Alene, Hayden and Post Falls to take advantage of these funds to provide for their children opportunities and memorable experiences they may not otherwise be able to afford.

"We really want to get this money out to those who can benefit from it," CDAIDE marketing, event and volunteer coordinator Tammy Sandoval told The Press.

CDAIDE's children's activity scholarships may be used for a variety of activities — music lessons, dance lessons, martial arts, sports/club sports, ski lessons and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) activities. The scholarships also cover traditional weekly classes as well camps and school programs.

"Extracurricular activities encourage our children to be active in our community and to develop new relationships and new life skills," Sandoval said.

Recently, students have used these scholarships for hula and music lessons.

She said the program also helps small businesses in the area by providing opportunities for them to obtain new students.

CDAIDE Executive Director Jason Nye said the CDAIDE activity scholarship fund is underused, so he and his team are working to get the word out about it.

"This children's scholarship, made possible by the Women's Gift Alliance, has already blessed so many lives in our community," Nye said. "Removing the financial barrier so that parents can say 'yes' when kids ask for music lessons, to play a sport or extend their learning and hobbies in new directions has been a privilege. We're happy to see the growth in the lives of the children and families this program has helped."

To apply for the scholarship:

• One parent must currently be employed in hospitality — employment in the industry will be verified

• Children must be 17 or younger

• No income limits

Visit cdaide.org/activity-scholarship-application to apply or email [email protected] for details.