A 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training & Leadership Program for High School Students
Youth Yoga Teacher Training
Created and led by Maria Toso, E-RYT 500, the Powerfully Peaceful Youth Yoga Teacher Training is a 200-hour professional leadership, wellness, and workforce credential adapted specifically for high school students. Supported through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, this program provides students with the confidence and skills to lead others while cultivating deep resilience, self-awareness, and emotional regulation in themselves.
This is more than yoga teacher training. It is a pathway into leadership, public speaking, professional certification, and meaningful community service.
Yoga Teacher Training
Students study yoga postures, anatomy, teaching methodology, meditation, relaxation, and yoga philosophy while gaining supervised teaching experience.
Leadership & Confidence
Students learn to speak in front of others, guide groups, communicate clearly, and step into leadership with greater confidence and presence.
Yoga, Mindfulness & Self-Regulation
Students gain practical tools for managing stress, understanding their nervous system, improving focus, and creating greater emotional balance.
Workforce & Community Impact
Graduates leave with real teaching skills and experience they can use in community centers, schools, wellness settings, and future employment while learning how to support the well-being of others.
Who Qualifies & Program Eligibility
Participation in this pilot cohort is fully funded through the 21st Century Grant and is open exclusively to enrolled students at:
- No Prior Experience Required: Just dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to lead.
- Time Commitment: Students must commit to the full schedule (6 scheduled weekly hours from late October 2026 through May 2027).
- Tuition Cost: 100% Free for admitted students. All mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, and study materials are covered by the grant.
- Strict Cohort Cap: Limited to 10–12 students per location to guarantee safety and direct mentoring.
Cohort Locations & Schedules
North Community High School Cohort
1801 N James Ave, Minneapolis, MN
October 24, 2026 – May 23, 2027
- Tue & Thu: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Asana, Anatomy & Methodology)
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Mindfulness Meditation & Philosophy)
- Kickoff: Sat, Oct 24, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Mid-Year Intensive: Sat, Jan 9, 2027 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Graduation: Sun, May 23, 2027 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
South High School Cohort
425 W 26th St, Minneapolis, MN
October 25, 2026 – May 22, 2027
- Mon & Wed: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Asana, Anatomy & Methodology)
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Mindfulness Meditation & Philosophy)
- Kickoff: Sun, Oct 25, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Mid-Year Intensive: Sun, Jan 10, 2027 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Graduation: Sat, May 22, 2027 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Core Program Pillars
Leadership & Confidence
Learn to speak with clarity, guide others, command presence, and step into self-assured leadership.
Yoga Teacher Training
Study functional movement, safe anatomy, sequencing, hands-on teaching, and contemplative yoga philosophy.
Mindfulness & Self-Regulation
Master breathwork and grounding techniques to regulate stress and respond with emotional resilience.
Workforce & College Readiness
Graduate with a marketable 200-Hour certificate while pursuing high school and college credit pathways.
How to Apply
Cohorts are strictly capped at 10–12 students. Enrollment is processed on a priority basis.
- Submit an Application: Fill out the brief application form below.
- Connect at School: Touch base with your 21st Century Grant Coordinator or Counseling Office at North or South High.
- Brief Interview: A short conversation with Lead Instructor Maria Toso to confirm commitment and answers questions.
What Students Say
“Maria is, first and foremost, a deeply compassionate teacher. Her yoga teacher training goes far beyond learning how to teach poses. She continually adapts the experience to meet each student where they are, helping them become the teachers they are meant to be. … Her classes were focused, interactive, and deeply engaging, and they gave me the confidence to lead my own students with knowledge and presence.”
“I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training with Maria and it was a life-changing experience. Maria is an amazing teacher and mentor. Her classes are very unique as she works on alignment and the profound connection between the asanas and yoga philosophy.”
“Maria is a knowledgeable, talented, compassionate and loving yoga instructor. I have attended her classes and retreats and would highly recommend her for beginners and advanced students alike!”
“Maria is an excellent guide and teacher. … I especially appreciate Maria's focus on alignment and precision with cues in asana classes, as well as her deep connection and commitment to the spirituality and the philosophy of yoga … Her guidance and presence are gifts to the world!”
“What first drew me to Maria’s teaching, and what keeps me going back, is that she acts as a guide. In her words, she helps each of us find our own inner teacher and helps guide us back to ourselves when we struggle in that search. … I would recommend any of Maria’s classes or workshops, as I have found some deep healing and self-acceptance from my years of working with her.”
“Maria Toso is absolutely the best yoga teacher! Very knowledgeable, articulate, charismatic, calming, responsive, spiritual and more. … Now she has successfully transferred her in-person leadership skills to an on-line presence. I recommend her most highly.”
Selected testimonials. Ellipses indicate excerpts.