BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (BRAIN) — Applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual QBP Women's Bike Mechanic Scholarship Program.
QBP, SRAM and other sponsors are offering 16 scholarships for an all-women's class of Professional Repair and Shop Operations at UBI.
Program sponsors include Park Tool, Michelin, United Bicycle Institute, Jagwire, Saris, Stan's NoTubes, Kryptonite, Swiftwick, White Lightning and DT Swiss.
The scholarship was created to increase gender diversity of people on bikes by supporting the development of women working in bike shops. In its first three years of operation, more than 1,600 applications were received.
"Through the scholarship program, we wish to create a stronger pipeline of diverse bicycle professionals. By increasing diversity among shop staff and ultimately bicycle companies, we believe we can grow the diversity of bike ridership in the United States. For that reason, we encourage women of color to apply," said Alix Magner, QBP's director of sales. "Another key goal of the scholarship is to help advance specialty retail by making shops more inviting for women riders. The scholarship winners we select can go back to their communities better trained and better equipped to serve women and all customers."
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. Additionally, lodging will be provided at the Ashland, Oregon, campus. Scholarship recipients must be available to attend the class from Jan. 30–Feb. 10, 2017. Recipients will receive a small stipend upon completion of the class to help offset travel and meal expenses.
Applicants must be U.S. residents who are currently employed at a bike shop in the U.S. and must be woman-identifying. QBP and partners encourage women of color and women identifying as trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and intersex individuals to apply for the scholarship.
Applications will be accepted from through Oct. 31. Winners will be announced on or before Jan. 6, 2017.
More information: qbp.com/womensscholarship.
