Going on six years at Bike Works, Henry has pedaled the distance to get to where he is now. At the age of 12, Henry began the basic Earn-a-Bike class where he was first introduced to wrenching. After that it seemed he couldn't get enough and proceeded to take every single class and camp that we offered. Henry was an integral part of the very first Bike Works bike-touring trip. After facing the challenges of leaving home for the first time, camping in the woods, cycling 50 to 70 miles a day, day after day - Henry developed a love of the outdoors. He became a true leader for his peers and set a great example - that no matter how daunting the task, one can persevere, overcome, and wind up stronger when the sun sets.
Last summer Henry landed his first job as a bicycle mechanic at REI's Flagship store in downtown Seattle - and we quickly received feedback from his supervisors that his mechanical skills were outstanding, and quite frankly, that he was one remarkable 17 year old.
Coming full circle during the winter of 2008, the month he turned 18, Henry began teaching an Earn-a-Bike class of his own at Bike Works. Big eyed and squirmy, the 9- to 12-year-olds gathered in the classroom, soaking up his every word. They idolized him and his story, and he in turn learned that he liked to teach, and developed a newfound respect for those who had taught him - both here and at school.
This summer Henry co-presented at the national Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference in Seattle on behalf of Bike Works, sharing his advice on how to successfully engage youth in bicycling programs. In the fall Henry will head off to Western Washington University to pursue a degree in glass-blowing and engineering. While we're sad to see Henry graduate from our programs, we couldn't be prouder of Henry and we look forward to what he will do in this world.
Click here to download a PDF of our 2009 Program Plans.
EARN-A-BIKE
Since 1996 we have been teaching students ages 9 to 17 the basics of bicycle mechanics. In an eight week series of classes the youth learn the basics of bike repair and practice this work on recycled bikes that will be given to other community organizations. Once they have accrued 18 hours of community service doing bike repair they are able to pick out and rebuild their very own bike! If they already have a bike, they can use these hours to earn their own bike parts and accessories, or to earn a bike for someone else. Once a student has successfully completed the classes, they can continue to come to drop-in Earn-a-Bike sessions (for free!) until they turn 18. Graduated students are also eligible to use their time at Bike Works towards Seattle Public School community service requirements.
In this hands-on environment, youth explore a new world of learning outside of school. They give back to the community by repairing used bikes for others and accumulating Earn-a-Bike hours at the same time. Adult and older youth mentors provide guidance, friendship, and a strong hand to loosen bolts.
For many of our students, Earn-a-Bike is the only way they can afford to get a bike. We teach 75 students a year in these classes, and roughly half of those youth go on to complete enough community service hours to ride off into the sunset on a new bike - and with a new helmet and lock! Others spend their time keeping their own bike in repair, or working to earn cool parts and accessories for their existing ride.
Classes start quarterly throughout the school year.
The Earn-a-Bike fee is $100, and there are scholarships available for all classes.
Call Bike Works 725-9408 ext.2 to discuss scholarship options. Registration will open one month before class begins.
Next classes:
BEGINNING EAB for 9-17 year olds
Beginning Class (Tuesdays) April 13th through June 1st 2010, 4pm to 6pm
ADVANCED MECHANICS for 13-17 year olds, by invitation only
Advanced Class (Wednesdays) April 14th through Jun 2nd 2010, 4pm to 6pm
OPEN Earn-a-Bike Hours for GRADUATES only are September 17th 2009 through June 12th 2010
