BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (BRAIN) — QBP and several co-sponsors are expanding a scholarship program that helps send women bike mechanics to an all-women's class in professional repair and shop operations at UBI. This year the program will provide 16 scholarships.
In its first two years of operation, the program accepted more than 1,200 applications. "Technical knowledge can be a huge barrier for women who want to develop their careers in the bike industry," said Alix Magner, QBP's national sales manager and scholarship program manager. "This scholarship is one step in creating a better talent pool for the industry to pull from."
The scholarship opportunity is aimed at women who are aspiring or experienced bike mechanics as well as those looking to increase their technical knowledge to further their career in the cycling industry.
Recipients will receive a full tuition scholarship to attend UBI's Professional Shop Repair and Operations Workshop. Additionally, lodging will be provided at the Ashland, Ore., campus. Scholarship recipients must be available to attend the class from Feb. 29-March 11. Recipients will receive a small stipend upon completion of the class to help offset travel and meal expenses. Applicants must be currently employed at a bike shop, at least 18 years old, and a U.S. resident. Interested parties can apply at qbp.com/womensscholarship. Applications will be accepted from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31. Winners will be announced on Jan. 8, 2016.
Title sponsors for the upcoming round include QBP, SRAM, RockShox, Park Tool, and United Bicycle Institute, along with Gold-level sponsors Jagwire, Saris, Michelin, Liv, and Surly Bikes and Silver-level sponsors Ergon and Dero.
