Bikes Not Bombs announced as recipient of City of Boston Catalyst Grant for Green Job and Mobility Training

Zoe Hill, Advanced Mechanics Coordinator

Program coordinator Zoe Hill working with Youth Apprentices during a Thursday afternoon session of Advanced Mechanics, funded by the City of Boston’s Environment Department

On Friday, January 21st, 2022, Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu announced Bikes Not Bombs as one of the recipients of the City’s Catalyst Grants for Green Job and Mobility Training, to help connect residents with career opportunities in the green economy.

The City of Boston’s Environment Department awarded Bikes Not Bombs $138,232 to run its Advanced Mechanics program, which provides hands-on training and career development to 21 Youth Apprentices, ages 15-24. Over the six-month funding period, Youth Apprentices will participate three hours per day, three days per week, for twelve-weeks, in an 108-hour Advanced Mechanics course held at the BNB Retail Bike Shop and Vocational Training Center located in Jamaica Plain. With the support of peer leaders and two instructors — a professionally trained mechanic, and program coordinator, participants will build professional competencies in all operations of the BNB Bike Shop including, customer service, bike builds (new/used), bike repair (new/used), product inventory, sales, bike fitting, shop protocols, and work etiquette.

“With the City of Boston’s funding, Bikes Not Bombs will give Boston youth the opportunity for apprenticeship, skill building, and career developmentBNB uses the bicycle as a vehicle for social change – and this funding will open the door for Black and marginalized Boston residents to achieve economic mobility, build relationships, and work towards a healthier Boston,” says Elijah Evans, Executive Director of Bikes Not Bombs.