This summer, we launched the Future Gears program, a powerful six-week experience that brought together Philadelphia youth for a unique blend of workforce development, leadership training, and cycling-based community engagement. In partnership with the JEVS C2L-PHL career connected learning initiative, the program was hosted at Sedgley Porter House and led by a passionate team of educators, mentors, and partners. The program created opportunities and provided youth with the tools to explore their futures, both on and off the bike.
Practicing some skill drills in the lots next to Sedgley!
Over the course of six weeks, youth participated in a series of interactive workshops, real-world projects, and team-based challenges that helped build critical life skills and career readiness. A range of learning topics were covered throughout the program, including:
- Time management and SMART goal setting
- Financial literacy and investing fundamentals
- Resume writing and interview prep
- Public speaking and teach-back presentations
- Conflict resolution and growth mindset building
- Bike safety and group riding
Project-based work, during the program allowed participants to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Youth participated in two main projects over the summer:
- Bike Event Planning Project – In partnership with Philly Bike Ride, youth collaborated to design a community bike event, learning about logistics, volunteer coordination, route planning, and public engagement. This gave them firsthand insight into how large-scale events are organized and the many career paths involved.
- Bike Count Project: Data for Safer Streets – Youth acted as urban researchers, collecting real-time data on cyclists, helmet use, and street safety conditions in Philadelphia neighborhoods. Their findings contributed to local transportation equity efforts and taught valuable skills in observation, civic advocacy, and data collection.
What made this summer even more special were weekly visits from guest speakers with various connections to the Philadelphia cycling community, and the presence of several program alumni and young adult staff, who served as mentors and role models. We were excited to welcome Nialah Beach and Terrel Bundy as part of our program staff! All of their reflections and feedback helped shape the culture of the program, emphasizing trust-building, adaptability, and representation.
Team members also grew personally and professionally, navigating leadership roles, peer collaboration, and the challenges of youth engagement in real-time. The experience reinforced the value of teamwork, feedback, and showing up with authenticity every day.
Audrey Deren, Program Coordinator, not only discovered a love for cycling through this program but said,
“It’s been equally inspiring to watch the youth experience their own transformations. Many came in unsure of what to expect, but soon found themselves enjoying cycling and thanking the staff for the skills they’ve learned. Some even asked if we could revisit topics like interviewing and public speaking because they’re eager to improve and showcase these skills in school and life. They have even asked how they can become a part of BCYC and want to stay in touch so they can continue to ride with the staff even after the program has ended.”
The program ended on a high note with an End-of-Summer Cookout, bringing together Future Gears participants, BCYC All Stars, and their families for an afternoon of food, music, games, and recognition. It was a joyful send-off that honored the growth and commitment of every youth who showed up this summer.
To all of our youth, staff, partners, and families, thank you. This summer was a testament to what’s possible when we invest in young people with purpose and creativity. The road ahead is wide open, and we’re honored to be riding it with you.