The Trek NICA Pathfinders Scholarships will be awarded to 150 student athletes for 2023 fall leagues to continue increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in youth mountain biking
Waterloo, WI – February 15, 2023 – Returning for a third year, Trek Bicycle and NICA are excited to open applications today for the Pathfinders Scholarship for 2023 NICA fall leagues. The scholarship was founded in 2021 with the goal of changing the landscape of competitive cycling in the US by bringing greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to youth mountain biking. Since then, the scholarship program has awarded more than 500 Pathfinders Cycling Scholarships to student-athletes of color from across the country. This round, an additional 150 scholarships will be awarded to new and returning student-athletes of color to support their fall league participation.
“Trek knows how much riding can benefit our physical and mental health, and it is rewarding to see this sport’s positive impact on the health and wellness of the next generation,” said Bob Burns, Trek’s Advocacy Director. “It’s an honor to be working in partnership with NICA to ensure student-athletes of color have access to mountain biking -- not only for the joy of the races and events, but also for the life-changing skills NICA kids take with them off the trail and into their everyday lives. Mountain biking should be accessible to all, and we’re excited to continue offering these scholarships to help the students overcome historical barriers of entry.”
“Trek has been a true partner in our mission to broaden access to mountain biking for student-athletes of color,” said NICA President, Amanda Carey. “This initiative supports the learning of life skills, such as respect and consideration for people and the outdoors, and fostering a sense of community. We are happy to continue providing these experiences to students for the seasons ahead.”
Student recipients of the Pathfinders Scholarship will be provided a new Trek Marlin mountain bike, a WaveCel helmet, full kit (shoes, shorts and jersey), fully paid for league and race entry fees, and other resources needed to succeed during their respective NICA season. Trek is dedicated to helping make the kids of NICA the future of cycling through the Pathfinders Scholarship.
Applications are available from February 15-March 15, 2023, for coaches, student-athletes, and parents to nominate kids involved in 2023 NICA fall leagues. NICA fall leagues are taking place in Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, North Nevada, New Mexico, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Anyone interested in referring a rider can visit: www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/pathfinder-scholarship/
About Trek Bicycle
Trek Bicycle is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of bicycles and related products. Trek believes the bicycle can be a simple solution to many of the world’s most complex problems and is committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent people from using bicycles more often for transportation, recreation, and inspiration.
About the National Interscholastic Cycling Association
The National Interscholastic Cycling Association’s (NICA) mission is to build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling. NICA recognizes the value of participation in NICA League events for all student-athletes, free from discrimination based on race, religion, or gender identity. Our core value of inclusivity demonstrates our belief that everyone should be able to participate in our programs and feel welcomed, respected, and supported.
Founded in 2009 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, NICA develops interscholastic and community-based cycling programs for student-athletes and coaches across the United States. NICA provides leadership services and governance for local leagues to deliver quality mountain bike activities and events. NICA has served almost 64,000 student-athletes since 2009. Currently, NICA has 29 state and regional leagues and 12,000+ registered volunteer coaches who are working annually with over 22,500 student-athletes from 960 high school and middle school teams in the USA.
