At Folk Yoga, we believe that yoga has the power to transform lives—and that the opportunity to study and teach yoga should be within reach for more people.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Open Mat Scholarship, available beginning with our Fall 2026 200-Hour Teacher Training and all future cohorts.
The Open Mat Scholarship reflects our commitment to making yoga education more accessible while continuing to cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming teaching community.
Why “Open Mat”?
The name represents an invitation.
An open mat is a place where people come together to learn, grow, ask questions, challenge themselves, and support one another. It reminds us that every teacher begins as a student, and that each person’s path into yoga looks different.
We recognize that the journey to Teacher Training isn’t always straightforward. Financial circumstances, life experiences, community involvement, and access to opportunity all shape when—and if—someone feels ready to take that next step.
Our hope is that this scholarship helps remove some of those barriers.
Who Is It For?
The Open Mat Scholarship is designed for individuals who demonstrate a genuine commitment to their practice, community, and personal growth.
Applications are reviewed holistically, taking into consideration a variety of factors, including:
- Commitment to practice
- Community involvement
- Personal experiences and barriers to access
- Readiness for teacher training
We believe that meaningful diversity extends beyond any single identity or experience. Our goal is to welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds whose unique perspectives will enrich our learning community.
More Than Financial Support
A scholarship isn’t simply about reducing tuition.
It’s about creating pathways.
It’s about making space for voices that may not otherwise find their way into a Teacher Training room. It’s about strengthening our community by welcoming students with different stories, lived experiences, and perspectives.
The more representative our teachers are, the stronger our yoga community becomes.
Apply for the Open Mat Scholarship
If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step in your practice—or know someone who has—we encourage you to apply.
We look forward to welcoming the next generation of Folk Yoga teachers.