What can a young person gain from a bicycle? At Worcester Earn-A-Bike, the answer goes far beyond two wheels.

For more than 25 years, Worcester Earn-A-Bike has created opportunities for young people and community members to learn bicycle repair, work with donated bikes, and earn a bike of their own. Through its Earn-a-Bike and Youth Mechanic programs, the community bike shop helps young people build practical skills, leadership experience, confidence, and a greater sense of connection to their community.

Grassroots Fund has been proud to support that work for nearly two decades with ten grants offered to support the work in Worcester. Across those years, Worcester Earn-A-Bike has continued adapting its work to meet the needs of young people and its broader community. Grants have supported youth employment, expanded neighborhood outreach, helped provide free and affordable bikes and repairs, and contributed to the organization's transition to a paid staff model.

For a young person walking into the shop, the experience might begin with a bike that needs work. Along the way, youth participants learn how to diagnose a problem, repair something with their own hands, and eventually help someone else do the same. Those skills can travel well beyond the bike shop. Learning to repair a bike can mean gaining confidence. Becoming a youth mechanic can mean taking on leadership. Earning a bike can mean having a reliable way to get to school, work, or across the city.

“Jay is about 12 years old and brought a friend to the Shop. His friend needed to fix his tire and had never been to the Shop. Jay showed him around and guided his friend through the process. He showed him how the different tools work as they fixed his tire. As they were ready to head outside to test their work, Jay’s friend said ‘We’re so lucky to have a place like this. I love it here.’”

In Spring 2026, Worcester Earn-a-Bike received another Grow Grant to support its youth development work, including opportunities for young people to earn bikes while developing bicycle mechanic and leadership skills. Funding will also support stipends for youth leadership.

Grassroots Fund is proud to have supported Worcester Earn-a-Bike and their continued investment in the young people who help keep Worcester rolling.