syntaxjunkie
02-07-2007, 09:08 AM
Youth Mechanic Mentoring Program a Success
BLOOMINGTON, MN – January 16, 2007 – After a year of planning, Erik's Bike Shop and Bolder Options are proud to have 7 youth mechanics complete the inaugural Mechanical Apprenticeship program at Erik’s Bike Shop Warehouse in Bloomington.
The Youth Mechanical Apprentice Program identifies youth who are eager to learn bike mechanics and maintenance in a supportive learning environment in which students broaden their skills and gain self-respect for themselves and others.
“We had parents calling our offices asking if their child could help out at the shop, and since they were usually not old enough to be employed, we had to turn them away,” stated Libby Hurley, Marketing and PR Manager for Erik’s Bike Shop. “There was a need and with Bolder Options help, we were able to design a program for kids who were eager to learn a new skill and have fun tinkering with bikes.”
All students who complete the program will receive an interview for a summer job at Erik’s Bike Shop and an official Mechanical Apprenticeship certificate from Erik the Bikeman. “Hands-on learning is the key to inspiring and motivating students to higher levels of achievement,” said Erik Saltvold, CEO and Founder of Erik’s Bike Shop.
Local businesses have stepped in to help support the program. Park Tool Company, the world's largest bicycle tool manufacturer based in St. Paul, supplied the graduates with the definitive guide to bike repair, “The Big Blue Book of Bike Repair”. Chipolte and Jimmy John’s Restaurants offered healthy meals each night of the program.
Although only in it’s inaugural year, the Youth Mechanic Program is an incredibly successful program. Erik’s Bike Shop and Bolder Options plan to continue their partnership and will be working to expand the program to other communities.
For enrollment information, please contact Nicholas at Bolder Options.
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=3927&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=24
About Erik’s Bike Shop
Erik’s Bike Shop is a leading bike and snowboard retailer with 13 locations and growing: Bloomington, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Dinkytown, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Oakdale, St. Louis Park, Rochester, Roseville, Vadnais Heights and two stores in Madison, WI. For more information on Erik’s Bike Shop’s products and events go to www.eriksbikeshop.com.
About Bolder Options
Bolder Options matches 10-14 year old at-risk youth with volunteer mentors to train for and complete either three 5K races or 20-30 mile bike rides, work on academic goals, and volunteer in the community. Bold Options’ mission is to teach youth to succeed in ALL of Life’s races. Using their unique model, they've succeeded in raising school attendance, enriching academic performance and offering at-risk kids what they need, when they need it: training for life. For more information about, go to www.bolderoptions.org.
BLOOMINGTON, MN – January 16, 2007 – After a year of planning, Erik's Bike Shop and Bolder Options are proud to have 7 youth mechanics complete the inaugural Mechanical Apprenticeship program at Erik’s Bike Shop Warehouse in Bloomington.
The Youth Mechanical Apprentice Program identifies youth who are eager to learn bike mechanics and maintenance in a supportive learning environment in which students broaden their skills and gain self-respect for themselves and others.
“We had parents calling our offices asking if their child could help out at the shop, and since they were usually not old enough to be employed, we had to turn them away,” stated Libby Hurley, Marketing and PR Manager for Erik’s Bike Shop. “There was a need and with Bolder Options help, we were able to design a program for kids who were eager to learn a new skill and have fun tinkering with bikes.”
All students who complete the program will receive an interview for a summer job at Erik’s Bike Shop and an official Mechanical Apprenticeship certificate from Erik the Bikeman. “Hands-on learning is the key to inspiring and motivating students to higher levels of achievement,” said Erik Saltvold, CEO and Founder of Erik’s Bike Shop.
Local businesses have stepped in to help support the program. Park Tool Company, the world's largest bicycle tool manufacturer based in St. Paul, supplied the graduates with the definitive guide to bike repair, “The Big Blue Book of Bike Repair”. Chipolte and Jimmy John’s Restaurants offered healthy meals each night of the program.
Although only in it’s inaugural year, the Youth Mechanic Program is an incredibly successful program. Erik’s Bike Shop and Bolder Options plan to continue their partnership and will be working to expand the program to other communities.
For enrollment information, please contact Nicholas at Bolder Options.
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=3927&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=24
About Erik’s Bike Shop
Erik’s Bike Shop is a leading bike and snowboard retailer with 13 locations and growing: Bloomington, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Dinkytown, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Oakdale, St. Louis Park, Rochester, Roseville, Vadnais Heights and two stores in Madison, WI. For more information on Erik’s Bike Shop’s products and events go to www.eriksbikeshop.com.
About Bolder Options
Bolder Options matches 10-14 year old at-risk youth with volunteer mentors to train for and complete either three 5K races or 20-30 mile bike rides, work on academic goals, and volunteer in the community. Bold Options’ mission is to teach youth to succeed in ALL of Life’s races. Using their unique model, they've succeeded in raising school attendance, enriching academic performance and offering at-risk kids what they need, when they need it: training for life. For more information about, go to www.bolderoptions.org.