ORIGINAL SCRAPER BIKE TEAM

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Grant Year

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$12,000.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, the Original Scraper Bike Team will expand its youth-led arts programming, merging bicycle customization with community-based creative expression. CAC grant funds will support hands-on workshops where participants transform bicycles into kinetic sculptures using signature techniques of vibrant duct tape and paint. These funds will cover artist-mentor stipends, high-quality decorative supplies, and the coordination of public “Ride-In” exhibitions that showcase East Oakland’s unique cultural heritage. By blending technical skill-building with artistic design, this project provides a creative platform for historically underserved youth to beautify their neighborhoods. These activities will culminate in a series of community showcases, fostering civic pride and increasing local engagement in the arts. This funding ensures the continued preservation and evolution of Scraper Bike culture as a recognized and impactful California art form.

Organization Summary

The Original Scraper Bike Team operates at the intersection of cultural arts, workforce development, and public health. Our core programs are designed to provide East Oakland youth with a pathway from creative curiosity to professional mastery and personal wellness.

1. The Scraper BART Wellness Center & “The Shed”
Our flagship program transforms retired transit infrastructure and park-based facilities into community “Safe Havens.” Operating 30 hours per week, these sites serve as the physical anchors for all services. Residents access a free bicycle repair shop, nutrition workshops, and a sanctuary for social connection, bridging the gap in local resources.

2. Scraper Bike Workforce Lab (Workforce Development)
This 350-hour vocational apprenticeship program professionalizes Oakland’s homegrown bicycle artistry. Participants ages 16–25 receive a “High Road” training experience, earning a living-wage stipend of $23/hr while mastering:

Mechanical Engineering: Advanced bicycle assembly and maintenance.

Artistic Design: Custom painting, frame modification, and “Scraper” aesthetic techniques.

Business Operations: Shop management, inventory, and customer service.

3. “Rest & Repair” Somatic Healing (Public Health)
Led by a Certified Community Health Worker, we integrate trauma-informed wellness practices directly into our mechanical workspace. This service provides:

Somatic Grounding: Weekly sound healing and yoga sessions to regulate the nervous system.

Healing Circles: Safe, facilitated dialogues that address community trauma and foster relational safety.

Crisis Referral: Connecting participants to specialized mental health and social services.

4. “Members Only” Youth Empowerment
A structured six-month engagement program for younger youth, focusing on civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and leadership. Through group rides and community service, members develop a deep sense of neighborhood pride and cultural literacy, ensuring the “Scraper” legacy remains a vehicle for positive community transformation.

Organization