RAR SJ Brooks Scholarship Fund
We're asking the cycling and outdoors community to help raise $23k to provide twenty SJ Brooks Scholarships for 2021!
Black, Indigenous, people of color, queer, trans, and women riders have a deep connection to the earth. However, due to systemic racism and other injustices, many are not accessing the much-needed medicine of being outdoors. Unfortunately, these injustices and inequalities have persisted much longer than at this current moment. We recognize that there is much work that we, collectively, can do to create more safe, accessible, and inclusive spaces and opportunities for our relatives.
The 2021 RAR SJ Brooks Scholarship seeks to increase access to cycling opportunities specifically within Black, Indigenous, people of color, queer and transgender communities by reducing some of the financial and material barriers that are required to pursue a radical adventure. These spirited bicycle endeavors may include an overnighter, multi-day trips, all-day adventure, commuting, fitness, getting out with their friends, family, and community. It is up to each individual's imagination!
We need the cycling community's help to make this happen. Since 2018, RAR has granted twenty-seven SJ Brooks Scholarships-- with gear, cash, and bikes based on the recipient's needs. Each year, RAR asks the community and sponsors to support recipients to carry on SJ Brooks’ legacy. The scholarship is a direct effort to bridge the gaps between community, industry, and BIPOC cyclists by reducing some of the financial and material barriers required to pedal to new horizons.
If you support our mission, please help us grow the scholarship by contributing to the fundraiser. Your donation will go directly toward financial stipends for the scholarship recipients to use-- to help pursue a spirited bicycle endeavor on their terms.
About RAR
Radical Adventure Riders was founded in 2017 to create a movement towards enhancing gender inclusivity and racial equity in the bicycle and outdoor adventure scene. One way we carry out this mission is by offering annual scholarships to grow and support a more inclusive and diverse community.
Scholarship FAQ
Where does your contribution go?
The more funds we raise will allow us to offer more scholarships. At this time, our goal is to give recipients in need of cash -- up to $2000 to go toward a spirited bicycle endeavor. Recipients will choose their endeavor and have complete discretion over how they use their funds. In addition, some recipients will receive bicycle and gear support from sponsored donations based on the recipient's need.
How can my company support the SJ Brooks Scholarship?
Companies who want to contribute over $1k and/or donate products can contact RAR. Learn more about the different monetary donation tiers and gear needed at https://radicaladventureriders.com/scholarship-support.
Who is eligible to apply to the SJ Brooks Scholarship?
We will accept applications from individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color. If you are a white person who is queer and/or trans, nonbinary, gender fluid, or elsewhere along the gender spectrum, please share this application with your BIPOC community. Cisgender men are not eligible for this scholarship but are encouraged to share this application with their networks.
When do scholarship applications open?
The scholarship application window will open for three weeks starting in August/September 2021. There will be an announcement in our newsletter and on social media about applying on our website.
What does the scholarship review process look like?
The Radical Adventure Riders organizers and an advisory team will review the applications and conduct a telephone/video interview with the final candidates. Read more about recipient criteria on our website.
Why are the scholarships named SJ Brooks?
A community organizer, experienced cyclist, and beloved by many, SJ was the founder of the Seattle chapter of Friends on Bikes, a social cycling group for BIPOC who identify as women, trans, femme, or non-binary. In August of 2018, SJ was scheduled to speak about FOB-- as part of the queer people of color panel-- at the RAR Summit. On May 19, 2018, SJ was fatally attacked by a cougar while biking in the wilderness with a friend outside of Seattle. SJ’s death was a massive loss to the cycling community. They were a positive light who worked tirelessly to create change. By naming the scholarships after SJ, we hope to honor and pass on their legacy to future radical adventure riders.
Where can I learn more?
Find more details about this year’s scholarship and past
