Becoming a mindfulness teacher requires commitment and dedication. Most teacher training programs require a consistent meditation practice and participation in retreats before admission. Certification typically requires multiple teacher training classess, equalified retreats, experience teaching, and mentorship. We wish to support all aspects of this demanding training.
If you have a serious interest in teaching mindfulness, are cultivating a personal mindfulness practice, and are a social worker, educator, school personnel, psychologist, counselor, nurse, public health, other healthcare professional, yoga teacher, or community leader, we encourage you to apply.
Aspiring Mindfulness Teacher Scholarship Application Process
If you are serious about being a mindfulness teacher, the first step is to determine which particular mindfulness teacher training program you want to do. Consider if you want to teach a particular mindfulness-based intervention (e.g., MBSR, MBCT, or other MBI) or a more general mindfulness approach in which you would develop your own curriculum.
We have compiled general information on current teacher training programs and local retreats. You may contact the AACFM at info@aacfm.org for this document on teacher training options or for other questions. Please add “Teacher Training” in the subject line. After deciding on a teacher training program, apply to that program and request a scholarship from that institution if you are eligible.
Once you’re accepted into a teacher training program, you then may be eligible for our Scholarship program. If you are interested, follow the steps below to apply. The AACFM open scholarship application period is from March 17 to June 13, 2025.
Note that the mindfulness teacher training programs request that applicants have their own personal mindfulness practice and have been to a 5+ day mindfulness retreat. You may apply to us for support for such retreats, but first apply to the retreat organizers. They usually have scholarship programs.
Our supplemental support will be responsive to the needs of applicants.
How to Apply to us for our Supplemental Scholarship for Aspiring Mindfulness Teachers
After being accepted into a teacher training program or retreat and asking for a scholarship from them, you may then submit your scholarship request to us, including the personal essay described below, with your name, address, and phone number. Your information will be kept confidential, however, share as much with us as you feel comfortable.
In your essay, tell us about you and your interest, background, and intention to teach mindfulness. The essay should be around 500 words and address the following points:
- Your interest in and experience with mindfulness/meditation or yoga, including details about your practice experience, regardless of its extent.
- Your vision for using this scholarship to contribute to your community.
- How this scholarship could positively impact your life.
- The financial support needed that would help make it possible for you to attend a retreat or teacher training program.
- The mindfulness teacher training program you have applied to and been accepted by OR the retreat that you wish to attend and have been accepted by.
Send your scholarship request to Anne Asker by email to info@aacfm.org or by USPS to 1100 North Main Street, Suite Q, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 so it is received before June 13, 2025. The scholarship committee will carefully review all scholarship applications and contact you soon thereafter.
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