Learn About PSO’s Financial Accessibility Award

Introduction

Equity is key to creating inclusive spaces, and PSO recognizes that significant financial disparities exist within the pole community. We are pleased to introduce the Financial Accessibility Award as a way to support competitors facing financial difficulties and to reduce financial barriers within the pole dance community.

Award Information and Details 

The PSO Financial Accessibility Award will be awarded to one competitor for each competition. This award includes a free competitor entry fee, to be used in the same calendar year as the application.

Important Dates

• Application deadlines: 3 months before each competition

• Awardees notified 2 weeks after applications close
  

Eligibility Requirements 

This award is intended for competitors facing financial hardship who may not be able to participate in PSO without it. We celebrate diversity and invite dancers of all backgrounds to apply–including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and gender-diverse individuals, as well as strippers and sex workers, and anyone who might not otherwise have the financial means to compete.

Application Process 

Awards are given after careful selection by a panel composed of PSO staff and other members of the pole community.

You will need to submit an application using this link. You may fill out each section of the application in writing or include a video upload or link where you verbally share your responses to the long-form questions. During the application process, we will ask that you: 

• Share the story of your pole journey

• Tell us why you are interested in competing at PSO and what you hope to gain from the experience

• Explain what barriers—financial, social, or otherwise—you have faced in pursuing your passion for pole

All questions from the application must be addressed in written or video form to be considered.

The Fine Print

PSO will prioritize applicants who are first-time competitors with our organization.

Award recipients will represent PSO on and off the dance floor. Please be kind and respectful to all humans at the event and online, and follow our community guidelines. Failing to adhere to community guidelines may result in termination of the award. 

PSO may reassign underutilized awards to an alternate applicant.

Learn more in the Financial Accessibility Award Information Packet.