Earn-A-Bike

Skills for Life is a free drop-in program for youth ages 6–17 , where kids earn points for every hour they spend in the shop. As they gain stars, they also gain confidence, independence, and real-world experience. Kids don’t just learn bike mechanics—they practice perseverance, collaboration, and problem-solving in a hands-on environment rooted in trust and community.

While the garage is full of bikes, the heart of the program is relationships. We create a welcoming space where kids build meaningful connections with adults and peers while learning how to fix and maintain bikes. They start on practice bikes to build their skills, and when their personal bike needs repairs, they’re empowered to do the work themselves.

How It Works: Start by learning basic bike building skills with the help of our coaches. Progress through four levels of bike mechanics—each one gets more challenging. By Level 4, you'll be a pro at building and fixing bikes. Get 1 star for every hour you're here working in the shop. Use your stars to buy your own bike and accessories like grips, tires, and lights. Something breaks? You’ve got the skills to fix your own bike—and help others too!

While Skills for Life isn’t a traditional mentoring program, strong, consistent relationships are at its core. Our staff and volunteers create a safe, welcoming environment where kids feel valued and supported. These positive developmental relationships are key to the program’s impact—and to helping youth form a sense of belonging and purpose.

Skills for Life is designed around the belief that hands-on learning can lead to life-changing outcomes. The program helps youth build both practical and personal skills—things like critical thinking, resilience, and a strong work ethic—setting them up for success in school, work, and life. Each star earned is a reflection of time invested, lessons learned, and challenges overcome.