Join Our Programs
Our Programs
Worcester Earn-A-Bike is a 501c3 Non-profit organization we are located around back in The Village Afrocentric Cultural Center (Formerly Stone Soup Community Center) 4 King St. Worcester, MA 01610
Earn-A-Bike
Our signature program makes bicycling accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and economic means by empowering them to volunteer, learn bike maintenance skills, and earn a FREE bicycle.
- Youth earn a bike by completing 5 volunteer hours.
- Adults earn a bike by completing 10 volunteer hours.
After completing an orientation session (which counts toward volunteer hours), participants select a bike from our inventory of earnable bicycles and rebuild it with the help of our tools, parts, and supportive staff.
Volunteer tasks may include:
- Organizing parts and tools
- Stripping bikes for reusable components
- Building bikes for donation or sale
- Helping around the shop with day-to-day tasks
We also encourage volunteers to bring their own unique skills and interests to the shop. Whether it’s fundraising, graphic design, social media, event support, or another talent, your contribution strengthens our community–and all volunteer hours count toward earning a bicycle.
Participants can complete their hours during any of our scheduled Open Shop Hours. No prior bike knowledge is needed–just a willingness to learn, lend a hand, and be part of our community.
Earned Bicycle 101
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No sign-up is required–just arrive at the start of any Open Shop session and let us know it’s your first time. We’ll provide a brief orientation to get you started.
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All bicycles earned through the program will require some work to be road-safe. Our Shop Manager and Youth Mechanics will demonstrate the necessary repairs, but participants are responsible for doing the hands-on work as part of the learning process.
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We have limited storage space, so bicycles may only be left at the shop if they are actively being worked on.
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Please plan to arrive early during Volunteer Hours, as space is limited and we may need to turn people away once we reach capacity for the day.
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Keep in mind that time spent on personal projects does not count towards volunteer hours.
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Each additional bicycle earned within the same calendar year requires double the volunteer hours of the previous one (e.g., 10 hours for the first bike, 20 for the second, 40 for the third, 80 for the fourth, and so on).
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Volunteer hours are valid only within the current calendar year and do not roll over into the next year.
Youth Earn-A-Bike
Youth Earn-A-Bike was the very first program we launched back in 2001, and more than 20 years later, youth remain at the heart of our mission. This program gives young people the opportunity to earn a free bicycle by volunteering in our community shop, learning hands-on maintenance skills, and building confidence along the way.
Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of bicycling in the next generation. Through the program, youth participants:
- Gain practical skills in bike repair and maintenance.
- Learn the value of volunteerism and community service.
- Discover the freedom of using a bicycle for healthy, independent, and sustainable transportation.
- Build friendships and connect with peers through shared experiences in the shop and on the road.
By teaching young people to take care of their own bikes, we empower them to take ownership of their mobility, their health, and their role int he community.
WTF Nights
Worcester Earn-A-Bike is excited to bring back our Women, Trans, and Femme (WTF) Nights!
Held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6-8 PM, these evenings are dedicated shop hours for folks who identify as women, trans, or femme.
WTF Nights are a welcoming space where participants can:
- Learn hands-on bicycle repair and maintenance skills.
- Build confidence working on their own bikes with support from staff and volunteers.
- Connect with others in a supportive, community-focused environment.
Whether you’re completely new to bike mechanics or already comfortable turning a wrench, these nights are for you. Come by to work on your bike, gain new skills, and be part of a community that celebrates and supports WTF riders.
Learn-A-Bike
We do not have regularly scheduled workshops. Please reach out if you are interested in participating and when we have a critical mass we will do our best to schedule a series.
These workshops are designed as an introduction to bicycle maintenance, and bicycle mechanic training. No prior experience is necessary to join. Each class covers a specific component or group of components (such as brake systems and drivetrain) and provides an understanding of basic functionality. They will dive deep into subjects that we do not have the time for during normal shop operation. Workshops are free of charge.
Get In Contact Today!
Reach out to learn more about Worcester Earn-A-Bike and take apart of our non profit mission!