QBP And Partners Expand Women’s Mechanic Scholarship

PRESS RELEASE: The Women’s Bike Mechanic Scholarship Program is back for its third year! Title sponsors for the upcoming iteration include QBP, SRAM, RockShox, Park Tool, and United Bicycle Institute (UBI), along with Gold level sponsors Jagwire, Saris, Michelin, Surly Bikes, and Liv and Silver sponsors Ergon, and Dero. Together, these sponsors are pleased to offer 16 scholarships for an all-women’s class of Professional Repair and Shop Operations at UBI.

The scholarship was created with the recognition that the bike industry needs to reach out to more women and serve them more effectively. It’s dedicated to getting more women on bikes while supporting the development of women mechanics. In its first two years of operation, over 1,200 applications were received.

“Technical knowledge can be a huge barrier for women who want to develop their careers in the bike industry” says Alix Magner, QBP 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. “QBP is proud to support a scholarship to grow women in the bike industry and we are pleased to have so many great partners in this important effort” added Lori Richman, QBP Director of Organization Development.

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, Oregon, campus.  Scholarship recipients must be available to attend the class from February 29-March 11th.  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, a U.S. resident, and must be woman-identifying. Interested parties can apply online. Applications will be accepted from October 1st through October 31st. Winners will be announced on January 8th, 2016.