On My Mat (OMM), in partnership with Yoga United at Brighton (YUAB), has created the first 200-hour Yoga Alliance teacher training program in the U.S. to certify and train youth, ages 13 to 17. The eight-week program will begin in October, on the first and last weekend of each month, at YUAB, in Lititz. The 200-hour certification includes both contact and non-contact hours. 

The three key elements include: physical (deepening personal practice, teaching poses to all levels, assisting, anatomy and physiology), possibility (meditation, mindfulness, self-compassion) and empowerment (self-exploration, karma, self-care). Unlimited yoga is included. 

“This local, innovative program is pioneering in the field of yoga and the children empowerment movement,” explains Julie Mathers, co-founder of OMM, and Body Image Global Ambassador. “Boys and girls will now have the opportunity to experience a program that teaches leadership, self-exploration and empowerment that has not existed previously.” 

OMM is an after-school program that aims to empower children to celebrate their inherent worth through yoga. The three pillars of the organization include body kindness, mindfulness and self-compassion. Through this training, children develop these skills and gain leadership skills that allow them to teach yoga through the RYS (registered yoga school) certified for children. 

Yoga Alliance is the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community, which regulates education and creditability standards in the industry. 

Cost: $1,996 (20 percent off the regular price); an eight-month payment plan is available. Location: 1170 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. For more information, call 717-779-3104, email [email protected] or visit OnMyMat.org.