Youth Scholarship Program

Our Youth Scholarship Program offers 100% free, martial arts training for children aged 5 to 12 years old.

The curriculum focuses on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to build confidence, physical fitness, problem solving skills, and mental focus.

This program is dedicated exclusively to families facing genuine financial hardships who want to give their children an active, structured extracurricular practice.

We operate on a rolling admissions basis, allowing qualified students to join our community at any point during the year when a spot becomes available.

Program Requirements:

Attendance Commitment

  • Three classes minimum mandatory attendance every single week.

  • Ages 5–12 must demonstrate the focus needed for intensive martial arts training.

  • Strict attendance tracking is enforced to ensure available mat space is not wasted.

  • Unexcused absences or dropping below the 3-class weekly limit will result in immediate removal. 

Strict Financial Eligibility & Fraud Prevention

  • Financial verification is mandatory for all applicants before program admission.

  • Tax returns, recent pay stubs, or W-2 forms must be submitted during registration.

  • Public assistance program enrollment serves as valid proof (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance).

  • Detailed hardship letter explaining your family's current financial climate is required.

  • Annual financial audits are conducted to ensure resources go solely to families in need.

  • Zero-tolerance policy for anyone misrepresenting income to take advantage of this free initiative. 

Uniform & Sponsorships

  • Gis are not provided directly by the academy.

  • Sponsorship assistance is available to help families connect with local community donors for the Gi classes. No Gi classes and our supplemental Wrestling class does not require a uniform. Clothing must not have zippers or abrasive material.  

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Checklist

  • Step 1: Complete the contact form on our website. Fill out the basic student intake questionnaire on our website. Someone will contact you within 48 hours to start the application process.

  • Step 2: Write a hardship letter. Explain your family's financial situation and why your child needs this.

  • Step 3: Gather financial proof. Collect your latest tax return, W-2, pay stubs, or public assistance documents.

  • Step 4: Submit your package. Upload all required verification documents securely through our application portal.

  • Step 5: Attend an interview. Meet with a Workshop NYC program director with your child for a brief orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if my child misses a class?

  • Excused absences (illness, school events) must be communicated to coaches prior to class time.

  • Unexcused absences that drop your weekly total below 3 classes put your scholarship at risk.

  • Two consecutive weeks of unexcused low attendance results in automatic removal from the program.

How strictly do you verify financial need?

  • Thorough document reviews are conducted by our administrative team for every single applicant family.

  • Random annual audits ensure spots remain occupied only by families experiencing true financial hardship.

  • Immediate termination occurs if any household is found misrepresenting their income or assets.

What if we cannot afford the required training gear?

  • Sponsorship matching begins immediately after your child is formally accepted into the program.

  • Donated equipment from our community sponsors is distributed based on availability and size matches.

Support Our Youth: Donate Equipment

  • Sponsor a child. A $100 donation fully equips one youth athlete with a Gi & belt.

  • Donate gently used gear. Bring outgrown Gis, rashguards, board shorts or spats directly to Workshop NYC.

  • Corporate partnerships. Local businesses can become official program sponsors to fund entire seasonal uniform drives.

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