IN THE NEWS

August 2025

Moving Forward into 2025–26

As we approach the 2025–26 school year, we find ourselves in an environment of uncertainty. The freeze of federal funding is creating a ripple effect, with many nonprofits that traditionally rely on federal dollars now seeking support from private foundations. According to the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, “Changes at the federal and state levels have led to a period of uncertainty for Oklahoma nonprofits, as historic funding cuts are impacting our organizations’ abilities to plan, budget, staff and ultimately deliver much-needed services to Oklahomans who need us.”

Organizations like the Oklahoma City Regional Food Bank and Bike Club OKC are feeling the impact. For each of our first seven years, Bike Club OKC has entered the school year with funding fully secured to ensure students receive the highest-quality program experience possible. This year, however, unprecedented funding shortages are requiring us to make difficult decisions.

To protect the integrity, safety, and quality of the Bike Club OKC experience, we will be pausing programming at our two middle schools for the 2025–26 school year or until adequate funding can be secured to reinstate them. In addition, Fillmore Elementary’s program will be paused due to equipment shortages.

While year eight will serve a smaller number of students, our commitment remains unwavering. We will continue to deliver the same STEAM-based curriculum, safety education, and life skills — including problem-solving, communication, perseverance, and healthy lifestyle habits — that have been at the heart of Bike Club OKC for the past seven years.

We know the power of this program. We’ve seen how it changes lives — one student, one ride, one relationship at a time. We are dedicated to returning to full strength as soon as possible, and we will work tirelessly to secure the resources needed to bring Bike Club OKC back to every school and student we serve.