WATERLOO, Wis. (BRAIN) — Trek Bicycle has partnered with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association to create an initiative to bring more diversity to youth mountain biking.
The goal of the Pathfinders Scholarship will be to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion. Up to 250 kids from underrepresented backgrounds will be provided gear, funding, and resources needed to participate in NICA, a nonprofit organization that promotes middle and high school mountain biking in the U.S.
This initiative is part of Trek's "All In" plan launched last year, detailing actionable steps toward racial equity. That includes a commitment to get more kids with diverse backgrounds on bikes.
"By teaming up with NICA to launch the Pathfinders Scholarship, we have high hopes that this program will not only broaden the access to mountain biking, but also help attract kids from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities of the country, exposing youth to the joy of cycling and creating life-long riders," said Bob Burns, Trek's director of advocacy. "We've supported NICA throughout the years and have seen first-hand the physical and psychological benefits cycling can have on today's youth, so the Pathfinders Scholarship is a natural next step as we seek to make cycling more inclusive and reflective of our country's diversity."
This past year, NICA has had an 11% increase in student-athlete participation. More than 25,000 student-athletes, 13,400 coaches and 1,100 registered teams participated.
"Trek has been a long-standing partner of NICA and their commitment to broadening access to mountain biking for all youth aligns with our mission, vision and values," said NICA President Steve Matous. "NICA is committed to inclusivity, equity, and diversity across all our programs, and we are excited to have Trek join us in this commitment."
In addition to providing start-up funding for new leagues and offering discounts for NICA student-athletes and coaches, Trek donates $10 from the sale of every full-suspension mountain bike and $1 from the sale of every mountain bike tire to NICA.
