Waterloo, WI – May 26, 2021 – Earlier this year, Trek Bicycle introduced the Pathfinders Scholarship, a scholarship program aimed at changing the landscape of competitive cycling in the United States by bringing greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to youth mountain biking. Following a thoughtfully organized nomination and review process, 150 Pathfinders Cycling Scholarships have been awarded to diverse and underrepresented student-athletes from across the country. Each recipient will receive a new Trek Marlin mountain bike, a WaveCel helmet, full kit (shoes, shorts and jersey), fully paid for league and race entry fees, as well as resources needed to succeed during their respective NICA league's fall 2021 season.
"We are excited to support these amazing student-athletes with the resources needed to get started in mountain biking," says Trek Bicycle Director of Advocacy, Bob Burns. "This program is not only broadening access to mountain biking, but also helping kids from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities experience the joys of cycling."
The Pathfinders review committee consisted of eight diverse coaches, advocates, and employees from the NICA community. Scholarship nominations represented 57 NICA teams from more than 18 states.
"We were thoroughly impressed with the groundswell of support and nominations for the Pathfinders Scholarship and are confident the future of cycling is bright," said NICA President, Steve Matous.
"NICA is committed to inclusivity, equity, and diversity across all our programs, and we are excited to put that commitment to action through these scholarship recipients."
Trek and NICA plan to open a second round of nominations for NICA spring leagues, allowing an additional group of underrepresented student-athletes to receive the benefits of the Pathfinders Scholarship in support of their spring league participation. Nomination submissions will be accepted this fall.
Last year, Trek Bicycle announced its "All In" plan to enhance and sustain greater diversity within cycling, detailing actionable steps toward racial equity, including the company's commitment to changing the competitive cycling landscape by lowering the barriers of entry to competitive mountain biking through NICA. Trek sees this as a long-term commitment to changing the landscape of cycling in the future. The Pathfinder's Scholarship is one part of the All In plan.
For more information, please 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.
