Harley-Davidson has announced its official sponsorship of the BUILD Moto program starting from the 2025 season. This three-year commitment includes donations of motorcycles, parts, and accessories, along with access to manufacturing experts and additional support.
Founded in 2011, the BUILD program is a 501(c)3 organization enabling high school students to gain hands-on skills by constructing motorcycles to AMA flat-track racing standards. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor and up to three mentors, students learn various disciplines such as design, welding, fabrication, repair, machining, and media.
Each team conducts fundraising events to finance their projects and documents their progress through social media posts of photos and videos. Throughout the season, teams are evaluated on design, execution, and milestone achievements, culminating in a bike reveal and awards ceremony.
“Our collaboration with BUILD Moto underscores our dedication to STEAM education and nurturing the next generation of designers, engineers, and skilled professionals,” said Shanna Beanan, STEAM Program Manager at Harley-Davidson. “Working alongside high schoolers empowered to create race-ready motorcycles is incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing their growth in confidence during the build process and seeing them showcase their skills on race day is truly inspiring.”
Participants from the 2024 season were invited to showcase their motorcycles at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival at Davidson Park in Milwaukee on July 25, 2024, at 11 a.m.
Those interested in joining the BUILD Moto program can contribute as mentors, event booth volunteers, event support staff, or subject matter experts providing specialized assistance to teams, either in-person or virtually.