The Swim With Mike Foundation's Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund is supported by yearly swim-a-thon and other fundraising events across the country. Swim With Mike (SWM) and the Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund (the Fund) were inspired by University of Southern California (USC) All-American swimmer, Mike Nyeholt, who suffered a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in a motorcycle
accident after graduation. Education is the ultimate opportunity for a physically challenged athlete to overcome their tragedy and realize their full potential. To date, 271 athletes have received scholarships at 142 collegiate institutions from the east coast to the west coast all the way to Hawaii. SWMF awarded 52 scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year, 227 of these went to students with a SCI. Alumni include doctors, lawyers, engineers, actors, and teachers who are now ambassadors for the SCI population through representation, service, and hiring decisions. Every year SWMF identifies potential scholarship recipients, raises money for the Fund, awards scholarships, and tracks recipient progress. Throughout the year potential scholarship recipients across the country are identified using professional and educational networks; many are referrals from alumni, doctors, and physical therapists. Individuals are contacted by SWMF volunteers who introduce the program and determine if the person is interested in pursuing or continuing a university education. Prospective recipients complete a detailed application that covers educational history, extracurricular activities, financial need, and a personal statement of athletic history, disability story, and educational goals. Scholarship applications and individual interview results are reviewed by a Board of Directors before final decisions are made at an annual June meeting. Award amounts are based on financial need, merit, other sources of aid, tuition costs, number of qualified applicants, and funds available for distribution. Once awarded, scholarships are renewable through graduation as long as eligibility is maintained, the recipient participates in SWMF functions, a financial need still exists, and funds are available. There is no other scholarship program like this for athletes who have suffered a life changing injury or illness. Fundraising efforts start July and continue through June of the following year. Funds raised during that period are used for scholarship awards in Fall. Swim With Mike held it's 41st Anniversary Celebration on April 9th, 2022 at the Uytengsu Swim Stadium at USC.
