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Transforming the USA BMX Foundation

  • Client: USA BMX Foundation

  • Role: Executive Director

  • Duration: April 2022 – March 2025


Overview


The USA BMX Foundation required a strategic overhaul to enhance its impact on youth development, Olympic athlete engagement, and community outreach. The foundation was revitalized through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and targeted fundraising efforts, expanding its reach and influence nationwide.


Challenges


  • The outdated youth curriculum did not align with national educational standards.

  • Limited engagement and support for Olympic athletes.

  • Underdeveloped medical and mental health support for elite athletes.

  • Low participation in summer camp programs.

  • Stagnant fundraising efforts limiting program expansion.


Strategic Solutions & Impact


Olympic Training & Development Designation


  • Collaborated and contracted with the national governing body, USA Cycling, to officially designate the USA BMX National Headquarters in Tulsa as the training and development facility for the USA Olympic BMX Team.

  • The facility serves as a primary training base during Olympic years and the official training ground for the USA National Team in non-Olympic years.

  • This partnership has enhanced Tulsa’s national standing and provided critical infrastructure for athlete development.


Media coverage has spotlighted this achievement:


  • News On 6: “Tulsa’s BMX Headquarters Named Official Training Site For Team USA”

  • KTUL ABC 8: “Tulsa track named official training site for USA Olympic BMX team”


Curriculum Enhancement


  • Rewrote the youth STEM curriculum to align with national STEAM NGSS and Common Core educational standards in collaboration with Cal State faculty.

  • Improved program engagement and adoption by schools, enhancing the foundation’s credibility in the education sector.


Athlete Health & Wellness


  • Partnered with Oklahoma State University College of Medicine to establish a comprehensive medical program for BMX athletes.

  • Introduced initiatives focused on mental health, track safety, and long-term impact for elite athletes.


Summer Camp Expansion


  • Revamped and aggressively expanded summer camp programming at the USA BMX National Olympic Training Site in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

  • Camp attendance grew from 6 students in 2022 to 1,700 in 2023 and 2,600 in 2024, totaling 4,300 attendees over three years.

  • This represents a year-over-year growth of over 28,000% from 2022 to 2023, and 53% from 2023 to 2024.

  • Partnered with local foundations and private donors to fund approximately 70% of attendees through need-based scholarships, determined by economic background and school location.

  • This initiative significantly expanded access for under-resourced youth and furthered the foundation’s mission of inclusivity in youth cycling and STEAM education.


Fundraising Growth


  • Launched a national fundraising event supporting youth programming and Olympic athletes.

  • Successfully increased net funds raised by 400% over two years, providing substantial financial support for expanded initiatives in STEAM education, STEAM Kit sales and distribution through schools, recreation programs, and partnerships with several corporate STEAM education initiatives.


Foundation Gala Initiative


  • Initiated an annual Foundation Gala specifically designed to raise funds for the foundation’s youth programs.

  • The gala supports summer camp scholarships, R.I.S.E. Program cohorts, and STEAM educational opportunities for the coming year.

  • In its third year, the event successfully raised approximately $50,000 in a single evening, demonstrating strong community support and donor engagement.

  • Successfully increased net funds raised, doubled over two years, providing substantial financial support for expanded initiatives in STEAM education, STEAM Kit sales and distribution through schools, recreation programs, and partnerships with corporate STEAM education initiatives.


STEAM Exhibit Development Partnership


  • Led the partnership with the Tulsa Discovery Lab, a children’s STEM center, and the Hardesty Family Foundation as presenting sponsor to fund, design, and build a one-of-a-kind, 2,000 sq. ft. hands-on STEM exhibit.

  • The exhibit was based on the BMX STEAM Kit curriculum, allowing children to explore bicycle mechanics and BMX track modeling through seven interactive experiences.

  • The exhibit will be tested at the Tulsa Discovery Lab and is scheduled to tour the United States for an estimated ten years beginning in 2026. It has the potential to reach over one million children and families.

  • The total project was funded at over $500,000, covering planning, design, development, and implementation.


Media coverage elevated the project’s visibility:

  • KJRH News Segment: Featured the collaboration and goals of the exhibit.

  • Discovery Lab News: Covered the educational value and partnership model.

  • Hardesty Family Foundation Announcement: Recognized the foundation’s role in STEM education investment.

  • Pull BMX Magazine: Highlighted the exhibit’s national significance and expected touring schedule.


R.I.S.E. Youth Mentorship Program


  • In partnership with the Terence Crutcher Foundation, USA BMX launched the R.I.S.E. (Resilient, Inspired, Strong, Empowered) Program for youth in North Tulsa.

  • A 12-week cohort-based initiative hosted at the USA BMX Headquarters, providing 30 children per cohort mentorship from local leaders, STEAM learning, and cycling and racing skills.

  • The program operates three cohorts annually—spring, summer, and fall—reaching 90 children per year from underrepresented communities.

  • The program culminates in a graduation ceremony and includes:
    A lifetime USA BMX membership
    A BMX bike and helmet
    Participation in the BMX Grand National during Thanksgiving week—the largest BMX race in the world

  • The program fully collaborates with Terence Crutcher Foundation staff, ensuring culturally responsive engagement and equity.


Media and community feedback have reinforced the program’s impact:


  • KJRH Tulsa: “This program is about more than just racing—it’s about building confidence and community.”

  • Terence Crutcher Foundation Press Release: “The R.I.S.E. program opens doors to opportunity and gives our youth a chance to experience something powerful and transformational.”

  • Read the full coverage on KJRH.


Results & Key Takeaways

  • Revitalized foundation operations, strengthening the organization’s position in the BMX and youth development ecosystem.

  • Enhanced educational programming, aligning BMX activities with national NGSS and State science learning standards.

  • Significantly increased funding and participation, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

  • Elevated athlete care initiatives foster a healthier, more resilient generation of elite BMX competitors.

  • Pioneered a nationally recognized STEAM exhibit, contributing to the educational advancement of youth across the country.

  • Established a model for inclusive community engagement through programs like R.I.S.E., empowering underserved youth with lifelong resources and experiences.


Through strategic leadership and innovative solutions, the USA BMX Foundation has transformed into a thriving organization that has a powerful impact on youth, communities, and BMX National and Olympic team athletes nationwide.

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