We rely on the support of our community—grants, donors, and partners like you—to keep Youth@Work going strong.
This summer, we're kicking off our Youth@Work Campaign with a goal of raising $10,000 to support paid internships, supplies, instruction, and mentorship.

Meet LizMarie — Building a Future with Bikes

At Lucky to Ride, our Youth@Work internship isn’t just about tightening bolts or tuning brakes — it’s about building confidence, skills, and dreams for the future. This summer, we’re excited to spotlight one of our amazing interns, LizMarie, whose curiosity and determination are exactly what this program is all about.

When LizMarie first joined Youth@Work, she had no prior job experience. But what she did have was an eagerness to learn, a growing interest in bikes, and a desire to be part of something that could shape her future.

“I chose this internship,” LizMarie said, “because I wanted to understand what it’s like to work in this field — and take advantage of the opportunity that was presented.”

LizMarie has taken on every challenge head-on. From learning how to adjust brakes to successfully changing a chain, she’s grown more confident with every turn of the wrench. While truing the wheel was a tricky task, she never gave up. Today, she’s quickly becoming advanced in her skills — confidently truing wheels and completing tune-ups on her own.

“I think the most exciting part was when we labeled the parts of the bicycle,” she shared. “It helped me understand how everything works together.”

One of her favorite moments? Labeling all the parts of the bicycle — a hands-on activity that sparked even deeper curiosity about bike mechanics.

Now, LizMarie says she’s more interested in bikes and bike maintenance than when she started, and is even thinking about a future in the bike or outdoor industry.

Help More Youth Like LizMarie Gear Up for Success

LizMarie’s journey is one of dozens made possible by generous donors who support Youth@Work. This summer, our goal is to raise $10,000 to provide tools, gear and paid job training opportunities for interns like her.

Youth@Work Program

Building Confidence, Skills, and a Path Forward