As a certified yoga instructor [1] let me tell you now that getting the initial 200-hour certification and additional certificates for specialties (like yin [2], sculpt [3], and nidra [4]) is not a cheap process. Gaining a yoga teaching certificate requires paying tuition that (more often than not) costs thousands.
As more wellness communities recognise the lack of BIPOC yoga teachers and the historical financial inequity that has caused this, there's been an increase in BIPOC scholarships being offered to those wanting to become yoga teachers. While several studios have done a one-off scholarship program, some currently have ongoing scholarships that you can apply for throughout the year. Ahead, find out more information on these scholarship opportunities and how you (or your BIPOC friends) can apply.
Beyond Yoga: BIPOC Scholarship
Apparel brand Beyond Yoga launched a scholarship program this year in response to the lack of BIPOC yoga teachers in the wellness community. Offering scholarship opportunities once a month throughout the year, its current application collection is open until Aug. 31. If accepted you can expect to receive $2,000 to go toward your tuition costs.
Click here to apply [5].
Y7 Studio: BIPOC Scholarship
Y7 Studio's application period for fall is currently closed, but have no fear, it offers scholarship opportunities with every teacher training program, which you can enroll in seasonally. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and books for their teacher training program, which Y7 Studio says is a $3,100 value.
Click here for more information and to apply [6].
Omstars: Marginalized Communities Scholarship
While this opportunity is not specific to BIPOC, according to the Omstars site, this scholarship is for "low-income, marginalized, and non-dominant communities." This scholarship gives recipients the opportunity to gain a lifetime membership to the platform; access courses with the platform's founder, ashtanga yoga expert Kino MacGregor [7]; or have access to Omstars's teacher development courses.
Click here for more information and to apply [8].