If you’re a college-aged person who likes riding your bike for transportation, competition, or exercise, consider some of the following scholarships designed for you. The below scholarships are available for cyclists of all kinds, including competitive athletes, mountain bikers, bike mechanics, and your green-energy evangelist getting around town. Learn more about these funds to see if you qualify.
Save San Francisco Cyclists – MJQ’s 2023 Scholarship
This scholarship is being offered to students who can write an essay to enhance safety protocols for cyclists. San Francisco is known to be one of the best cities for cyclist. Half Moon Bay and Kirby Cove attract bicyclists from all over the nation. Unfortunately, there were approximately 316 bicycle accidents reported in 2021. The state of California is working creatively to reduce bicycle implementing more bike lanes and spreading awareness for bicycle safety.
Eligibility: Must be a student that has been admitted or enrolled in a four-year college/university or graduate program is eligible. Students must be 24 years old or younger.
To be eligible, applicants must have:
- Bay Area Resident (San Francisco or city within 50 miles thereof)
- Planning on attending an accredited United States college or university in 2023.
- High school senior with a 3.0 GPA
Application Process:
Write an essay in about 500 words, describing a new and creative solution to decrease bicycle accidents or improve the safety of cyclists in San Francisco. This can be regarding new laws, safety products, or awareness initiatives.
The winners will be picked based on creativity of the product or solution and the writing quality of the essays. Learn more about this scholarship.
John Stenner Collegiate Cycling Scholarship Fund
This scholarship honors John Stenner, an Olympian and former U.S. National Team member who was also one of the founders of Collegiate Cycling. Stenner, 29, passed when he was hit by a pick-up truck on the way home. After his death, a scholarship fund in his name was established. The John Stenner Collegiate Cycling Scholarship is funded by donations to the USA Cycling Foundation.
Eligibility: Full-time student within the academic year they are applying for. Also must be a U.S. Citizen, a member of a current USA Cycling Collegiate cycling team and have a current USA Cycling Collegiate racing license.
Application Process: The scholarship fund is awarded to the top male and female riders in USA Cycling’s Collegiate Cycling program who have also gone above and beyond with their academics and community. Learn more here.
Athletes USA Cycling Scholarship
This assists cyclists on finding the right scholarship for one of the fastest growing sports programs out there. There are limited scholarships available and only students who have competed at national or state levels are awarded.
Eligibility: Recommended for students who have finished high school or up to two years after. Must be between ages 18-24.
Application Process: Must apply to be evaluated at the right level. Division I level athletes have a relatively high chance of receiving the scholarship if competing in national championships before starting college. For athletes competing at a national level, there is a grater chance of receiving 100% of the scholarship. Apply here.
Quality Bicycle Product Scholarship
To promote inclusion and expand opportunities for underrepresented individuals, Quality Bicycle Products are offering three industry scholarships for gender and racially diverse people to develop their skills and career in bikes.
1) Professional Bike Mechanic Scholarship — Gender Diversity Cohort
This scholarship is for women, non-binary, transgender, gender non-conforming, two-spirit and agender individuals. Must be currently employed at a bicycle retailer or non-profit organization and want to further their careers with mechanic training. Individuals have to reside in the US or Canada.
2) Professional Bike Mechanic Scholarship — Racial Diversity Cohort
This scholarship is for BIPOC (Black, indigenous, people of color) who reside in the US or Canada and currently employed at a bicycle retailer or non-profit organization, or who have graduated from a community bicycle program and are not currently employed in the bike industry.
3) Arkansas DEI Bike Mechanic Scholarship — Beginner
Funded in partnership with the Bentonville Chamber of Commerce, this scholarship is for residents of Northwest Arkansas who are women, LBGTQ, BIPOC, Hispanic, or Marshallese and want to learn bike mechanic skills that could jumpstart a new career with comprehensive, entry-level training.
4) Arkansas DEI Bike Mechanic Scholarship — Advanced
Funded in partnership with the Bentonville Chamber of Commerce, this scholarship is for residents of Northwest Arkansas who are women, LBGTQ, BIPOC, Hispanic, or Marshallese and want to advance their career as a bike mechanic by learning how to confidently execute complex repairs and maintenance.
For more information, click here.
ICAN Cycling Scholarship Program
The purpose of this scholarship is to assist college students in completing their lessons successfully and reward those who love cycling.
Eligibility: This is available to students who have registered in an accredited university or college.
Application Process: Students must submit an English essay that is useful for bicycle users in 800-1000 words. Content must be original. You must base your content on the following themes:
- Biking experience
- Cycling travels experiences
- Some of your own tips about cycling
- What cycling brings to you
- Info-graphics
- Interview of famous bicyclists
- Racing experience
Learn more here.
California Bicycle Summit in Oakland Scholarship
CalBike is offering up to 80 scholarships to the California Bicycle Summit in Oakland. The scholarships will cover discounted/free registration, limited travel and lodging stipends.
Eligibility: Student must be in college or graduate school.
Application Process: You must fill out an application here.