Jun 17
2011
Young(er) Volunteer Making A Difference
Written by wes | posted in News | 0 Comments
Spotlight on Rachael Jacobs
Project Bike Trip
Rachael Jacobs wants more than to just go along for the “ride.” She wants to make the “ride” different. It’s one of the reasons the local and mother of young twin boys volunteers for Project Bike Trip. Jacobs has been involved with the organization since 2006. She strives to help the organization advance it’s mission by providing booth help at events, coordinating program activities, contributing to grant proposals and other funding opportunities. “I was drawn to PBT since the programs take an innovative approach to youth development by offering hands-on, technical education, as well as opportunities for academic success in school, to help prepare students for life after high school,” she says. “When I had my twins I found it difficult to get out of the house to give back to the youth in my community. However, through PBT I have been able to continue to inspire youth—even if I can not be in the class room.” She feels PBT is certainly good for Santa Cruz. “I think it’s fitting that we produce programs that offer technical training, bicycle assembly and repair, safety instruction as well as introducing the bicycle as an alternative source of mainstream transportation all for a healthier and safer future,” she says. “PBT’s lead program Bike Tech at School graduates more than 100 students per year. We had five classes running for the 2010/11 school year—at Harbor, Aptos, Pajaro Valley, and Natural Bridges. That’s more than 100 young adults in Santa Cruz County that are being trained in bicycle assembly and repair.”
