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. Learn more.

  • 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.

  • 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.