Harley-Davidson has announced its official sponsorship of the BUILD Moto program starting with the 2025 season. Through this sponsorship, signed for the next three years, Harley-Davidson will donate items like motorcycles, parts, and accessories to the program, as well as provide access to manufacturing experts and additional support.
The BUILD program, founded in 2011, is a 501(c)3 organization that allows high school students to learn valuable skills by building a motorcycle to AMA flat-track racing standards and then entering their builds to be judged. Students, guided by a faculty advisor and up to three mentors, learn design, welding, fabrication, repair, machining, media, and more as they work on their bikes.
Each team organizes fundraising events to support their project, and they must document their progress with photos and videos posted to social media. They’re judged on design, execution, and completion of milestones throughout the season, culminating in a bike reveal and awards event at the end.
“Our involvement with BUILD Moto represents our commitment to STEAM learning and helping to teach the next generation of designers, engineers, and trades experts,” said Shanna Beanan, STEAM Program Manager at Harley-Davidson. “Working with high schoolers who are empowered to create a bike that is race-ready is really rewarding. It’s a thrill to see their confidence grow during the build and showcase what they’ve learned as the pit crew on race day.”
The 2024 season participants received an invitation to show their motorcycles at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival at the newly opened Davidson Park in Milwaukee on July 25, 2024, at 11 a.m.
Those interested in becoming involved with the BUILD Moto program can do so in several ways. Becoming a mentor allows you to work directly with students to build the motorcycles. Working a booth at BUILD Moto events helps to spread the word about the program. Volunteering at an event to help with parking, selling merchandise, or set up/tear down can help keep the event running smoothly. If you’re a subject matter expert, you can also lend one-time assistance to teams on your specific skill, in-person or virtually.
Visit the BUILD Moto website to learn more, donate, or find ways to become involved.
