26351 Junipero Serra Rd
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(856) 220-4134
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. Since 1981 the Fund has grown and continually helped challenged athletes by providing financial resources for advanced education. Education is the ultimate opportunity for a physically challenged athlete to overcome their tragedy and realize their full potential. To date 187 athletes have received scholarships at 91 collegiate institutions from the east coast to the west coast all the way to Hawaii. SWM awarded 57 scholarships for the 2015-16 academic year, 50 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 SWM 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 SWM volunteers who introduce the program and determine if the person is interested in pursuing or continuing a university education. Prospective recipients complete a five page 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 SWM 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. The 36th annual USC SWM event will occur on April 2, 2016 at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center on the USC campus and is expected to draw close to 3,000 people. The event is a collaborative effort of SWM volunteers, scholarship recipients and their families, campus organizations, volunteer service groups, and community sponsors. Activities include a diving show, relay races, the USC Marching Band, food, entertainment, and a silent auction. Many schools and communities around the country also participate with satellite SWM events to support their students who are current SWM recipients: UC Berkeley, Univ. of Arizona, UC San Diego, Stanford, UConn, and others.
The University of Southern California Women’s Club Volleyball Program strives to provide the opportunity for university women to compete at the highest level possible outside of a varsity commitment. Our club competes both regionally and nationally, participating in matches with colleges and universities across the country. The competition and commitment level are both high, as many very talented female athletes are unable to play at the varsity level for various reasons and utilize club programs to continue their play. This program is entirely run by student volunteers with professional advisement from the USC Recreational Club Council (RCC). Participation at the leadership level is highly encouraged and welcomed. For the 2016-2017 academic year, Jasmine Zahedi and Paige Preston are the Co-Presidents and represent the program to campus administration, organizations, and to regional and national club volleyball associations. The team has employed two head coaches this year, who will run all practices and games.
CYFC believes and has achieved many accomplishments, including: 1. Increase the academic performance of foster and at risk youth 2. Increase high school graduation rate of at risk and foster youth through tutoring 3. Increase school attendance 4. Increase foster youth acceptance into a post secondary education 5. Increase participation of parents in their children's school community