A Live. Love. Swim!™ Initiative for Access & Equity in the Water
What This Is
Oshun’s Onyx Swim Scholarship is a community-powered fund created by Live. Love. Swim! to provide financial support for Black and Brown individuals of all ages who are ready to learn, grow, and thrive in the water.
From first-time swimmers to returning adults and adaptive swimmers, this scholarship helps make swim lessons more accessible to those who have historically been left out.
Named after the Yoruba river goddess Oshun, this scholarship honors healing, love, and our deep connection to water.
Why This Matters
Access to swim instruction is not equal.
Drowning rates are disproportionately high in Black and Brown communities, and many individuals never receive consistent, quality swim education.
This scholarship exists to change that.
Swimming is not just a skill.
It is a life-saving necessity.
What It Covers
- Swim lesson packages
- Swim gear (caps, goggles, modesty suits, etc.)
- Administrative fees for enrollment and scheduling
- Travel stipends (for lesson transportation needs)
Who This Supports
- Black and Brown people of all ages and swim levels
- Youth and adults with physical, cognitive, or sensory (dis)abilities
- Those who identify as underserved, underrepresented, or income-limited
- Caregivers, educators, and frontline workers in need of support
- Residents in Memphis and surrounding areas (or those traveling to participate)
Why This Scholarship Matters Long-Term
The Oshun’s Onyx Swim Scholarship is part of a larger vision.
The future Mini Nautical Center will allow this program to expand, providing consistent, year-round access to swim education for those who need it most.
This is how access becomes sustainable.
Drowning rates are disproportionately high in Black and Brown communities, and access to swim instruction remains inequitable. By donating to Oshun’s Onyx Swim Scholarship, you’re not just supporting lessons—you’re helping rewrite a legacy of exclusion and fear into one of freedom, joy, and strength in the water.
💬 “Swimming isn’t a luxury. It’s a life skill. It’s liberation.” – Coach Marla
Support the Scholarship
When you give to Oshun’s Onyx Swim Scholarship, you are not just funding lessons.
You are helping:
- Create access
- Build confidence
- Save lives
- Change generational relationships with water
Use the secure PayPal link below to give directly to the scholarship fund:
🌟 Become a Monthly Donor
Recurring donations help us plan ahead and serve more swimmers.
🎉 Honor Someone You Love
Make a donation in honor of a swimmer, lifeguard, or coach who made a difference in your life.
Want to Apply?
If you or someone you know could benefit from this opportunity, you are encouraged to apply.
Please complete the application form below.
🌊 Oshun’s Onyx Swim Scholarship Application Form
This scholarship supports access to swim lessons for underrepresented and underserved communities. Please complete the form below to apply. Limited slots available per season.
At this time, swim lessons are paused for the remainder of 2026 as Coach Marla undergoes treatment for breast cancer.
The scholarship program remains active, and lesson-based awards will be scheduled once instruction resumes.
Share the Mission
Help expand access by sharing this scholarship with:
Organizations serving underserved populations
- Families
- Educators
- Community leaders
Live. Love. Swim!, LLC 