Empowering Local Youth with Lifesaving Swimming Skills
The Kolman Family Scholarship Fund
for Swim Lessons
About the Fund
The Kolman Family Scholarship Fund for Swimming Lessons was established in loving memory of Mark Kolman, a devoted father, husband, educator, swimmer, and lifeguard who cherished his summers in Surf City. Mark's passing inspired his family to honor his lifelong passion.
Mark deeply believed that every child should know how to swim—not just for recreation, but for their safety and confidence. He found immense joy in coaching children and fostering a love for swimming that lasted a lifetime. Since its launch in 2024, the Fund has already made significant strides:
It has raised $25,000 toward its long-term goal.
It has provided free swim instruction to over 50 children across Southern Ocean County.
Every available spot in the initial scholarship swim classes has been filled, often exceeding capacity due to high demand.
Our current goal is to raise an additional $75,000 to reach a total of $100,000. As an endowment fund, the Kolman Family Scholarship Fund is designed to grow over time, providing sustainable support for swim lessons for generations to come. Your contribution will help us continue to empower local youth with vital, lifesaving swimming skills.
A Community Fund Making Waves for Local Kids.
Who Was Mark Kolman?
Mark Kolman was a truly remarkable individual: a devoted father, husband, educator, swimmer, lifeguard, and a beloved summer resident of Surf City. He passed away in January 2024 at the age of 53, following a brief battle with liposarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
Mark found immense joy and took great pride in coaching kids, helping them develop into lifelong swimmers. He held a firm belief in the transformative power of knowing how to swim and the numerous benefits swimming offers at any age. He understood that swimming was not just a sport, but a crucial life skill that built confidence and ensured safety.
Following his passing, Mark's wife, Amy, and his daughters, P.J. and Pepper, partnered with the Long Beach Island Community Center at St. Francis to establish the Kolman Family Fund for Swimming Lessons. This fund serves as a living tribute to Mark's passion, seeking to improve access to and increase interest in swimming among local children by covering the cost of swimming lessons. Through this fund, Mark's legacy of empowering youth through swimming continues to make a profound difference in the community
How To Apply:
Eligibility:
The Kolman Family Scholarship Fund provides support for the following swim lesson classes:
Little Dippers
Little Paddlers 1
Little Paddlers 2
Please note: Enrollment in Little Sharks and Competitive Swim Fish classes with scholarship funds requires prior approval from the Director.
How to Apply:
Visit the Aquatics section at the front desk of the St. Francis Community Center, or online (click below)
Request and complete a Swim Lesson Scholarship Application.
Submit the form with any required documentation. Our Aquatics team will review your application and contact you about class placement.
Scholarships are offered seasonally and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, please apply early!
Help Us Make a Bigger Splash - Donate to The Kolman Family Fund!
To continue this vital mission, our goal is to raise an additional $75,000 and fully endow the Fund. With your help, we can build a lasting legacy—one that supports swim instruction for generations to come.
Dive In and Help a Child Learn to Swim.
Your Donation = A Child’s First Stroke of Confidence.
Dive In and Help a Child Learn to Swim. Your Donation = A Child’s First Stroke of Confidence.
