20 Students Graduate From USA BMX Mentorship Program

The first graduating class of USA BMX’s 'RISE' program received their diplomas and jerseys Tuesday.

"'RISE' stands for Resilience, Inclusion, Social Awareness, and Education and it's a six month program,” USA BMX President Shane Fernandez said.

Fernandez said every two weeks, students attended RISE for three hours after school. They learned how to put together their own bike, along with some life lessons.

"The kids get on a BMX bike and they learn about 'where can cycling take you?' But there's other things to it, too. It's about facing you fears. It's about fitness. It's about when you fall down, getting back up,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez said along the way, the kids faced several challenges.

“On the first night, some of the kids couldn't ride a bike and now, they're all riding a bike on that track. They're riding the same track olympians train on,” Fernandez said.

RISE graduate, Bristol Hampton, will soon be racing on a different track. She’s one of the programs top three graduates, and will race in the Grand National Championship at Expo Square next week.

“I think I’m going to do good, because last time, I came in third place, but I still got a trophy and I was happy for the trophy cause even though you don't win, you can still get a trophy,” Hampton said.

Fernandez said there is already a waiting list for next year’s RISE classes, but he said USA BMX also offers other classes to get involved in.