MORGAN HILL, Calif. (BRAIN) —The Specialized Foundation is now accepting Riding for Focus applications for the 2018-19 academic year.
The Specialized Foundation's Riding for Focus school program is designed to introduce students to cycling's positive effects on academic performance, health and social success, with a focus on students with learning differences, such as ADHD.
"The Riding for Focus program taught me a lot. A lot about bikes, bike safety, and bike maintenance, but more importantly about myself and how cycling has a positive impact on me and my focus as learner," said Theodore Plewa, a Riding for Focus participant at Wakusha Middle School in Wisconsin.
Selected grant recipients will gain access to the Riding for Focus program curriculum, a fleet of bikes, a starter maintenance kit, and helmets to support their PE cycling program. Additionally, grant recipients will receive in-person training at Specialized facilities in Morgan Hill, California, or Boulder, Colorado.
"Since our start in 2015, and with the help of partner programs and schools, the Riding for Focus program has reached more than 10,000 students nationwide. We are excited to continue reaching new students and look forward to awarding grants to an additional 25 schools this year," said Ted Theocheung, CEO of The Specialized Foundation.
Applications are open to all middle schools, grades 6-9, throughout the USA. The grant window closes March 25. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with final decisions being made mid-May
Applications can be submitted at specializedfoundation.org/school-grant-program.
"We're committed to doing the right thing, and where we see a chance to help, we're going to do it. We make bikes, and bikes help kids. But we can't do it alone. We need people like you to get involved and join the movement, and together, we'll make a difference for generations to come," said Mike Sinyard, Specialized Founder and CEO.
In addition to growing the Riding for Focus program, The Specialized Foundation is continuing academic research in partnership with Stanford University to gain a better understanding of the positive effects of cycling for middle school aged children. Visit specializedfoundation.org to learn more.
