Sangha Yoga Teacher Training Scholarship Program
What is the Sangha Yoga?
"Sangha" means, a like minded community of people supporting each others wellbeing and spiritual development. Sangha Yoga's Mission is to extend the authentic teachings of Yoga and meditation to all students, regardless of age, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability, religion or economic status. Our goal is to support the health and well-being of our local community with affordable yoga classes taught by qualified teachers, and to support our global community with regular fundraising events for charitable causes. We also aim to provide a sacred space in which guest teachers and workshop leaders can share their unique talents and healing arts.
What is the Sangha Yoga's Teacher Training Program?
Sangha Yoga's Teacher Training (SYTT) is a Yoga Alliance approved 200 hour yoga teacher training program. The SYTT is a Para Yoga® training which certifies participants to teach hatha yoga and meditation. The program is hosted by Para Yoga Certified Teacher, Karina Mirsky. Karina has been teaching yoga in Kalamazoo since 1998 and creating opportunities for individuals to teach yoga since 2003.
This training program is open to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of yoga, not just those aspiring to teach yoga. This experience is also for anyone wishing to positively impact their own life through a self transformation process. These 24 life changing days provide opportunities for self-inquiry, personal growth, creative expression, self-awareness, and personal empowerment. Through intensive study and working closely in a closed group, the SYTT participants support one another as they learn, grow, and face personal challenges. Trainees form a tight bond with each other; together they learn how to become a positive force in their own lives and in their communities.
Participants in this program study how to instruct diverse groups of yoga students and work with a variety of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Program Director, Karina Mirsky advertises the training this way, "become more than just a yoga instructor going through the motions; become a guide, a light to yourself and to others...become a true teacher, become a yoga teacher."
What is the SYTT scholarship program? Who does it benefit?
The Sangha Yoga Teacher Training Scholarship aims to make the SYTT affordable to those who might not be able to participate in the training program with out financial assistance. (The scholarship benefits only applicants to Sangha Yoga's training program). Depending on the funds available the scholarship can offer full tuition, partial tuition, and/or the required reading materials. Recipients are chosen based on need, dedication to yoga practice, and a desire to do karma yoga (selfless service) in their community through teaching yoga on a volunteer basis. Recipients of the scholarship are encouraged to "give back" to the scholarship program by teaching a class to generate funds for the next program once their training is complete.
How are scholarship funds raised? Who pays for my scholarship?
Funding for the scholarship will be raised primarily through a class held at Sangha Yoga on Sundays at 4pm. This class is hosted by graduates and current students in the teacher training program. Each session is held on donation and all donations will benefit the scholarship fund. Additional special workshops at Sangha Yoga organized by Scholarship Director, Kirsten Kloster will also support the scholarship. Donations can be made to the SYTT Scholarship Program at Sangha Yoga. (see fundraising class details)
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Applicants must write an essay outlining: what yoga means to them, their financial need, why they want to teach yoga, and a proposal of the karma yoga they plan to so in their community once their training is complete. (Examples include teaching free classes to at risk youth or in a nursing home.)
Scholarship applications are due six weeks before the start of the first training tier. Since funds are limited, the sooner the application is recieved, the better the chance of a finacial gift being rewarded. Please send your scholarship application with your teacher training application
