Swim With Mike Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Swim With Mike Foundation

We are now accepting applications for the 2026–27 academic year. To apply for an academic scholarship from the Swim With Mike Foundation, submit your materials through our online application portal.

About the scholarship
In 1981 the inaugural Swim For Mike event was organized to raise funds for a specially equipped van for three-time All-American swimmer Mike Nyeholt, who was left paralyzed from the chest down after a motorcycle accident. The swim-a-thon generated more money than needed for the van, and at Mike’s request the surplus created the Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund — established to provide scholarships to student-athletes who had experienced comparable life-changing injuries. At the time it was the only program of its kind in the United States.

What began with Mike’s commitment to help others has grown into an annual Swim With Mike event held at USC’s Uytengsu Aquatics Center, with satellite fundraisers now staged on college campuses nationwide. This growth is what we call the Ripple Effect: the scholarship program has supported education across two generations and continues to extend opportunities to others. We encourage you to apply and join the Swim With Mike community.

Who is eligible
Applicants must meet all of the following:

- Have participated in organized athletics (high school, collegiate, or club) prior to the illness or injury.
- Have sustained an illness or injury that resulted in a physical disability significantly limiting daily activities (for example: paralysis, blindness, cancer, amputation, or head injury).
- Meet the admission criteria for a four‑year college or a graduate-level program.
- After acceptance, demonstrate satisfactory academic progress toward your degree.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and be in good academic standing at your accredited institution.
- Demonstrate financial need.

Required application materials
Prepare the following items to upload with your application:

- Personal statement: Tell us about yourself, how you learned about the Swim With Mike Foundation, your athletic background and experience, your educational goals, and how you plan to support the foundation both as a scholarship recipient and later as an alum.
- Letters of recommendation: Minimum of one, up to three.
- Medical verification of disability from a licensed medical professional.
- Unofficial transcript from high school or any previous college coursework.
- Current digital photograph.
- Resume that includes community involvement and hobbies.

How to apply
Complete and submit your application through our online portal for consideration for the 2026–27 academic year. If you have questions about the process or required documents, contact the Foundation through the portal for assistance. We look forward to your application and to welcoming you into the Swim With Mike family.