Programs

Bearings operates four unique skills development programs that help students ages 6-18 develop hard skills, soft skills, and character strengths that can make a difference in future career success. Although the prospect of earning a bike is what draws kids to the program, the excitement of learning new skills and being a part of a community keeps them returning, week after week.

  • Skills for Life is our drop-in after-school program. To our kids, Bearings is known as the place where you can earn a bike and keep it in working order. However, our thoughtful program design goes well beyond that and draws upon best practices in youth development, STEM curriculum and exposure, and pre-employment preparation. Learn more.

    Gearing Up is Bearings’ school partnership program that offers hands-on, student-centered learning experiences that activate less traditional learning styles. We use authentic experiences to teach the social-emotional skills that can make a difference in the classroom and beyond.

  • Our competitive cycling program promotes mountain biking as a life-long activity for good health and creates a unique environment for skills development. The program aims to increase access to the sport of mountain biking and provide opportunities for sport-based development, coaching students both on and off the bike during some of their most formative years. Learn more.

    Cone Crusher clinics give students a glimpse at what youth mountain biking is all about and connect them with other kids and adults who love riding. Cone Crusher is open to riders ages 8-18. Participants will need a bike and helmet (Bearings will provide if needed!). These clinics are open to riders of varying skill levels but students must be able to ride their bike confidently without training wheels. After students participate in their first clinic, they have the opportunity to progress to more difficult courses and learn more advanced skills. Learn More.

  • Frameworks is a workforce development program for teens and young adults that creates skills-building opportunities through real-life work experience in the context of a bike shop. In addition to on-the-job training, students participate in career and personal development opportunities like financial literacy classes, advanced mechanical training, and vocational field trips. Learn more.