Scholarship: Keeping Parkour Accessible

At Swift Movement, we believe parkour should be about movement, not money. Our Scholarship Program exists to make sure committed students can keep training when finances get tight, without compromising the quality, culture, or coaching that define Swift.

This program is for both current members and families considering Swift who want to understand how we support access in a thoughtful, sustainable way.


Parkour’s Roots: Built for Access

Parkour did not start in polished gyms or elite training centers.

It began in the working-class suburbs of France, where young people used walls, rails, stairs, and open space as their training ground. No equipment. No membership. Just movement, creativity, and persistence.

That history matters.

One of the most beautiful things about parkour is that, at its core, you don’t need anything. Just your body, your environment, and the willingness to try. While modern gyms like Swift provide coaching, safety, and progression, the spirit of parkour has always been about access and self-improvement, not exclusivity.

Our scholarship program is one way we honor those roots while operating responsibly as a professional facility.


What the Swift Scholarship Is

The Swift Scholarship Program is a limited, mission-aligned fund that provides partial tuition assistance to dedicated parkour students.

Key details:

  • We set aside up to 5% of our monthly revenue specifically for scholarships

  • Scholarships cover 25% or 50% off core parkour memberships

  • Open Gym is always included

  • Workshop discounts match the scholarship percentage

This is not a promotional discount. It is a deliberate investment in students who show up, care, and contribute to the community.


Who the Scholarship Is For

The program is designed for students who meet both of the following:

1. Financial Constraint

We use a simple, private self-attestation, which may include:

  • Household income around 200% of the federal poverty level

  • Participation in assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, free lunch)

  • Or a short explanation of financial hardship

No tax documents. No invasive paperwork. Privacy matters.

2. Commitment to Training

We prioritize students who:

  • Attend consistently

  • Are coachable and engaged

  • Practice outside of class or attend Open Gym

  • Contribute positively to the culture

In most cases, students need to have been actively training at Swift for at least three months before being considered, so we can be confident it’s a strong mutual fit.


How the Process Works

The process is intentionally simple and respectful:

  1. Apply anytime using a short, private form

  2. A decision is made within 7 days by our General Manager

  3. Initial 3-month term (probation period)

  4. 6-month renewals based on attendance and coach feedback

If our limited scholarship budget fills up, we offer a waitlist or discuss alternative options.


What’s Expected

A scholarship is a two-way commitment.

We ask recipients to:

  • Keep showing up consistently

  • Be open to feedback and growth

  • Uphold a positive, supportive training environment

When it’s time to renew, we do a light check-in with coaches to make sure things are still aligned.


Why We Do This

Swift is a premium training facility, and we’re intentional about staying sustainable. At the same time, we refuse to let finances be the only thing that decides who gets to train.

Parkour helped countless people around the world build confidence, resilience, and agency with almost nothing. This program is our way of carrying that philosophy forward, without turning Swift into a discount-driven business.

Access matters. Commitment matters more.

FAQ

Can brand-new students apply?

Usually we ask students to train with us for a period of time first. In most cases, students need to have been enrolled for about three months so we can confirm it’s a strong fit. In rare cases, exceptions may be made.

How long can I stay on the scholarship?

You start with a 3-month term, then renew in 6-month blocks as long as the fit and budget remain strong.

Is my information private?

Yes. Applications are reviewed only by the General Manager and use simple self-attestation.

What if I need to pause training?

Talk to us. We’ll work with you on holds or a restart plan.

Is there other financial assistance available?

Yes. Swift Movement is an OhioRISE-approved vendor, which means some families may be eligible for additional financial support through OhioRISE. OhioRISE is a statewide program designed to help children and youth with complex behavioral health needs access coordinated services and support, including approved physical activity programs when appropriate.

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Bring a friend and join the parkour fun at Swift Movement! Use our "Bring a Friend" form for a discounted class. Experience the thrill together and be part of our supportive community. Join us today!

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