In a world of disposable products and video games today’s youth is losing touch with their mechanical aptitude. Our Earn-A-Bike classes re-acquaint the concept of repair, provide an affordable means of transportation, promotes a sustainable and healthy lifestyle, teach safety, as well as instill self-confidence and pride. The students take apart and then learn how to rebuild a bicycle from scratch using the proper tools and techniques under the supervision of role models who double as qualified mechanics**.
We have been offering Earn-a-Bike classes since the summer of 2003 to young adults from the YouthCity, YWCA, and now BACSV afterschool programs. However the program is based on the Bikes Not Bombs Earn-a-Bike curriculum, which has been taught since 1990. The average class lasts 6-8 weeks with participants coming twice a week.
While not excluding anyone, we try to concentrate our efforts on children of low-income families. Giving opportunities to those who might not otherwise have a chance. In some cases this involves at-risk youth, an often overlooked demographic that we hope to help.
** We are looking for volunteers year round to teach mechanics and safe riding skills. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering with this program.
YouthCity is one of Mayor Ralph Becker's (formerly Rocky Anderson) youth programs. The program build resilience among youth by providing activities that increase self esteem and sufficiency, augment and encourage education, complement parents' efforts, teach job and life skills, foster artistic abilities and encourage physical fitness.
YWCA Strengthens the safety, health and well-being of women and their families in the Salt Lake area through social service, social change, and women’s leadership development. Today the YWCA Salt Lake City is at the forefront of efforts to stop family violence, and we offer an array of programs and services designed to support women in their efforts to create violence-free lives for themselves and their children.
Boys & Girls Club South Valley - the Positive Place for Kids! One of 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs in the Nation serving youth and teens everyday, each year. They serve youth primarily in the south end of the Salt Lake Valley. They are charged with deepening their impact on the youth we serve by helping youth develop the attitudes, skills, values, and behaviors that will enable them to succeed in life.