For a third year in a row, ERG ED® awards a Concept2 grant to a new community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEATTLE — December 2025

George Pocock Rowing Foundation and Concept2 Announce New Bedford as Latest ERG ED® Expansion Site

The George Pocock Rowing Foundation (GPRF), in partnership with global rowing industry leader Concept2, is proud to announce New Bedford, Massachusetts, as the newest site selected through the national ERG ED® Grant Program—an initiative launched in 2023 to expand rowing access and diversify the sport across the United States.

ERG ED® is a classroom-based indoor rowing program that teaches school-aged students the fundamentals of rowing using Concept2 RowErgs. Launched in 2010, the program now operates in 22 cities across ten states and reaches more than 55,000 students annually. Beyond teaching rowing technique, ERG ED® helps students develop essential life skills such as teamwork, goal setting, fitness awareness, and perseverance.

Following a competitive national application process, the GPRF and Concept2 selected the New Bedford Rowing Center, in partnership with the New Bedford School District, as the 2025 ERG ED® expansion site. The grant includes 20 Concept2 RowErgs, the ERG ED® curriculum, teacher training, and ongoing support to establish sustainable pathways from the gymnasium to local on-water rowing.

“The New Bedford Rowing Center is honored to be the 2025 ERG ED® grant recipient,” said Jordan Seim, Executive Director. “More kids now have a safe and fun way to learn from our coaches and volunteers. With every new rower, we get closer to transforming New Bedford’s relationship with its historic waterways. We are grateful to Concept2 and the GPRF for partnering with us in this mission.”

Concept2 echoed their enthusiasm for the program’s growing reach:

“Concept2 is thrilled to partner with the Pocock Foundation’s ERG ED® program again in 2025,” said Kate Smith of Concept2. “Providing New Bedford High School with reliable, durable RowErgs will have ripple effects on students’ physical and mental well-being for years to come. We’re excited to continue supporting rowing in the classroom.”

ERG ED® continues to grow as communities nationwide recognize the need for inclusive youth sports pathways, accessible fitness opportunities, and innovative physical education models. With strong teacher support, high-quality equipment, and clear pathways to on-water rowing, the program is built for long-term sustainability and future expansion.

About the George Pocock Rowing Foundation

Since its inception in 1984, The George Pocock Foundation (GPRF) has been focused on supporting and growing the sport of rowing in the Seattle area and the greater Pacific Northwest. As a leader in the sport, the GPRF works to help young people access and experience the life-changing sport of rowing, regardless of background or circumstance.

About Concept2

Founded in 1976 by rowers Peter and Dick Dreissigacker, Concept2 designs, manufactures, and sells oars for on-water rowing, as well as the RowErgs, the SkiErgs, and the BikeErgs for indoor training. Concept2 promotes and encourages the growth of rowing, both indoors and outdoors, and believes that rowing is a lifelong activity accessible to all.

Contact

Padraic McGovern
George Pocock Rowing Foundation Deputy Director
padraic@pocockfoundation.org