Yoga has long been considered a practice that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit. However, for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) communities, accessing yoga teacher training programs can be financially daunting. To promote diversity and equity in wellness spaces, several organizations offer scholarships to help aspiring BIPOC yoga instructors achieve their dreams.
This article explores the purpose of these scholarships, where to find them, how to apply, and why they are important.
Why BIPOC Representation in Yoga Matters
Despite yoga’s roots in South Asian traditions, modern yoga spaces often lack racial diversity, and white practitioners dominate many studios and training programs. By increasing the representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) among yoga teachers, these scholarships help create inclusive spaces where students of all backgrounds feel valued, supported, and welcomed.
10 Places to get Grants for Yoga Teacher Training
Types of BIPOC Yoga Teacher Training Scholarships
Many scholarship programs are specifically geared toward BIPOC individuals seeking certification as yoga teachers. These scholarships typically cover:
- Full or partial tuition support for 200- or 500-hour yoga teacher training programs.
- Travel stipends for in-person training.
- Mentoring opportunities to support new teachers in their careers.
- Community funding to encourage giving back to underrepresented communities.
Where to Find BIPOC Yoga Teacher Training Scholarships
If you are a Black, Indigenous, or other person of color (BIPOC) interested in becoming a certified yoga teacher, you may qualify for financial support through yoga teacher training (YTT) scholarships. Many organizations, studios, and teachers offer scholarships specifically for BIPOC applicants to help reduce barriers and diversify the yoga industry. Below are the best places to look for BIPOC yoga teacher training scholarships, both online and in-person.
1. Yoga Studios with Diversity Commitments
Many progressive studios work to promote inclusion and offer scholarships for BIPOC students in their teacher training programs. These scholarships are often advertised on their websites or social media.
Examples:
- Three Queens Yoga (Philadelphia, PA)
- The People’s Yoga (Portland, OR)
- Laughing Lotus Yoga Center (San Francisco, CA)
- The Underbelly Yoga (Virtual; founded by Jessamyn Stanley)
2. Nonprofits and Support Groups
Several nonprofits fund or operate scholarships and mentorships specifically for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) aspiring yoga teachers. For example:
Accessible Yoga Foundation: Offers scholarships for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) for trainings focused on accessible and inclusive yoga.
Black Yoga Teachers Alliance (BYTA): Connects Black teachers and occasionally offers grants, scholarships, and professional development.
South Asian Healing Collective: Focuses on yoga healing within the South Asian diaspora and provides financial assistance for trainings.
Yoga Service Collective: Promotes yoga as a service and often offers equity-based scholarship opportunities.
3. Independent Yoga Teachers and Influencers
Many well-known yoga teachers use their platforms to offer scholarships or expand scholarship opportunities. Some offer their own training courses and offer space for BIPOC students with reduced or waived fees. For example:
Michelle Cassandra Johnson – Skill in Action training with BIPOC scholarships
Susanna Barkataki – Embrace Yoga Roots program
Krishna Kaur – Youth Yoga and Trauma-Informed Yoga courses
Dianne Bondy – Yoga for All courses include BIPOC scholarships
4. Online Yoga Schools and Platforms
Some online yoga schools offer inclusive 200- or 300-hour certification programs and BIPOC scholarships as part of their mission to make yoga education accessible.
Examples:
- My Vinyasa Practice: Offers full and partial scholarships for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in YTT virtual courses.
- YOGA International: Occasionally collaborates with teachers or programs that offer scholarships.
- Yin Yoga School by Bernie Clark: Offers limited scholarships for underrepresented groups.
5. Crowdfunding and Community-Based Support
If you can’t find a scholarship that fits your needs, consider community-based options:
GoFundMe or similar platforms: Many BIPOC yoga students fundraise through small community donations.
Mutual Aid Networks: Local or online mutual aid groups can help you fund your YTT.
Instagram Collaborations: Some yoga accounts repost BIPOC GoFundMe campaigns to raise awareness.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility varies by program, but typical requirements include:
- Self-identification as BIPOC
- Commitment to completing teacher training
- Interest in teaching or sharing yoga in BIPOC communities
- Sometimes, a personal essay or video explaining your goals and journey
Some programs prioritize applicants who:
- Have financial need
- Are involved in community well-being or activism
- Are interested in accessible or trauma-informed yoga
Popular BIPOC YTT Scholarship Programs
1. Accessible Yoga Foundation – BIPOC Scholarship Program
This nonprofit offers scholarships to BIPOC students who wish to study accessible yoga, trauma-informed practices, and inclusive teaching methods. The program is open to those pursuing 200-hour and continuing education programs, with a focus on community access and disability inclusion.
Website: accessibilityyoga.org
2. Black Yoga Teachers Alliance (BYTA) – Teaching and Training Fund
BYTA offers funding to support Black yoga teachers and aspiring teachers. While funding is not always structured as a formal scholarship, it can help cover training costs, certifications, and ongoing education. BYTA also offers mentoring and networking for Black yoga professionals.
Website: blackyogateachersalliance.org
3. Michelle Cassandra Johnson – BIPOC Skill in Action Scholarships
Michelle Johnson offers BIPOC scholarships for her YTT Skill in Action program and her social justice-based yoga programs. These trainings focus on body activism, racial justice, and trauma-informed yoga practices. Scholarships typically cover partial or full tuition for BIPOC students.
Website: skillinaction.com
4. My Vinyasa Practice – BIPOC Scholarships
This popular online yoga school offers full and partial scholarships for BIPOC students in its 200- and 300-hour programs, as well as continuing education programs. The school focuses on accessibility and affordability, offering flexible virtual training schedules.
Website: myvinyasapractice.com
5. Yoga For All Bodies – YTT Inclusive Scholarships
Founded by Maria Kelly, this training program is based on body acceptance and inclusion. Scholarships are available for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled students. The program focuses on teaching diverse populations and creating affirming spaces.
Website: yogaforallbodies.com
6. Susanna Barkataki – Embrace the Roots of Yoga Fellowship
Susanna Barkataki’s programs focus on decolonizing yoga and reclaiming its South Asian roots. Her Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Fellowship program supports those committed to practicing and teaching yoga with cultural awareness, social justice, and community healing.
Website: hugheyogasroots.com
7. South Asian Healing Collective – Supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and South Asian (YTT)
Focused on serving South Asian and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, this collective offers financial support for yoga teacher training, wellness coaching, and leadership development. The goal is to reclaim ancient practices and promote healing through culturally-informed teaching.
Website: southasianhealing.com
8. The Underbelly Yoga – Equity-Based Scholarships
Founded by Jessamyn Stanley, The Underbelly offers scholarships for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and underserved students to access yoga classes and teacher training. The program focuses on body liberation, anti-racism, and self-expression.
Website: theunderbelly.com
9. Yoga for Youth – BIPOC and Community-Centered Trainings
Led by Krishna Kaur, Yoga for Youth specializes in trauma-informed yoga for underserved communities. Scholarships are available for BIPOC applicants who wish to work with youth or marginalized populations.
Website: yogaforyouth.org
10. Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health – Equity Scholarships
Kripalu offers scholarships for its 200-hour and advanced YTT programs, with special funds allocated for BIPOC applicants. These scholarships are aimed at students committed to community service and accessible yoga.
Website: kripalu.org
Which Organizations offer BIPOC yoga scholarships?
Several organizations offer scholarships to support BIPOC individuals in yoga teacher training. Here are some notable ones:
Red Lila School of Yoga: Offers a BIPOC Diversity Scholarship to facilitate access to yoga teacher training. It offers partial tuition assistance to aspiring yoga teachers.
Create Power Yoga: Manages the Equity in Yoga Scholarship, which supports BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students by covering 50% of yoga teacher training costs.
Elevate Yoga & Wellness: Offers full scholarships for BIPOC individuals, covering 100% of training costs, including materials and certification.
School Yoga Institute: Its Conscious Exchange Scholarship provides financial assistance to marginalized communities, including BIPOC individuals, for yoga teacher training.
Yoga Parkside Foundation: Their YTT Scholarship is specifically designed to increase BIPOC representation in yoga by removing financial barriers to training.
How to Apply for a BIPOC Yoga Scholarship
To increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, follow these steps:
Research eligibility criteria: Some scholarships require applicants to demonstrate financial need, community involvement, or prior yoga experience.
Prepare a personal statement: Explain how yoga has impacted your life and how you plan to contribute to your community.
Gather recommendations: Letters from mentors, yoga teachers, or community leaders can strengthen your application.
Apply early: Scholarships often have limited funding, so submitting your application before the deadline increases your chances.
Final thoughts
Yoga teacher training scholarships for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are crucial for making wellness spaces more inclusive and equitable. If you or someone you know is passionate about yoga and wants to represent the community, explore these financial aid options to make your path more accessible.
FAQs on BIPOC Yoga Teacher Training Scholarship
What is a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Yoga Teacher Training Scholarship?
It is a financial aid program offered to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who wish to become certified as yoga teachers. These scholarships help cover tuition and sometimes other expenses such as books, materials, or travel.
Who can apply for a BIPOC YTT scholarship?
Anyone who identifies as BIPOC and wishes to complete a yoga teacher training program (usually 200 or 300 hours) can apply. Some programs also seek applicants who want to serve their communities or work in underserved areas.
Do I need to be an experienced yoga practitioner to apply?
No. Most programs accept beginner or intermediate practitioners. A regular yoga practice and a genuine interest in teaching or sharing yoga with others are generally required.
How competitive are these scholarships?
They can be competitive, especially with popular teachers or programs. Many scholarships receive dozens to hundreds of applications, so it’s best to be authentic and apply early.
When do applications open?
Each program has its own schedule. Some accept applications year-round, while others have specific deadlines. Sign up for program updates via email or follow them on social media to stay informed.
What happens if I don’t get the scholarship?
Many programs offer payment plans, discounted fees, or mutual aid. Some may save your application for future openings or offer discounts if you reapply.
Can I teach classes immediately after completing a YTT with a scholarship?
Yes. If you complete a 200-hour certified yoga teacher training, you can register as a yoga teacher and start teaching immediately, whether in studios, gyms, community centers, or online.
Will receiving a scholarship affect how others think of me in the program?
No. Scholarships are normal and respected. Many programs pride themselves on supporting BIPOC students and fostering diversity in the yoga community.
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