Skate After School offers low-income kids free fun and lessons

Skate After School brings volunteers and equipment to low-income kids in the Phoenix area to build their confidence and courage while learning how to skate.

“It didn’t start with the intention of becoming a full after-school program,” says program co-founder Tim Ward. “It started as just something to do with our old equipment and putting it in the hands of kids who could use it.”

Skating is an activity mostly dominated by boys, but not with this after-school program. Girls are encouraged to strap on a helmet and join in on the fun. The kids don’t need to have any experience with skating, only the enthusiasm to try something new.

“We’re getting to see new kids pick up skateboarding at the exact same age we were,” Ward says. “We are seeing the start of them having some really awesome experiences.”

Not a single child will pay a penny for the experiences they have. The program is run by volunteers and all the equipment is received through donations.

For more information on Skate After School, go here.