Lowrider Club to fosterleadership skills among youth

Zoom!

Chula Vista students are getting a unique opportunity to combine creativity, culture, and leadership this fall with the launch of a new United Lowrider Youth Leadership Bike Club chapter at Learn4Life Innovation High School.

The program, debuting Saturday, Sept. 27, introduces students to a 10-week curriculum that blends lowrider bike building, cultural education, and leadership skill development.

The launch event will celebrate community, culture, and collaboration. Attendees will see student-built lowrider bikes and classic vehicles on display, hear from guest speakers including Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and local law enforcement, and witness how the program empowers youth to find their voices through hands-on, culturally grounded experiences.

“We piloted our Bike Club in National City and reported successes — high graduation rates, youth mentoring, and community impact,” said Jovita Arellano, president of the United Lowrider Coalition. “That encouraged us to expand to Chula Vista’s Learn4Life Innovation High School.”

The program teaches more than mechanical skills. Students build confidence, explore cultural heritage, and develop leadership strategies.

“By embracing their cultural roots, students develop pride in identity, which strengthens their ability to lead,” Arellano said. “Once they complete the 10-week course, they can become mentors in the next course with new students.”

The curriculum includes bike-building workshops, cultural education sessions, and leadership exercises.

“The course is the foundation, like their lives. Handlebars guide direction, teaching vision; brakes provide safety and discipline,” she said.

“This hands-on approach connects students to their culture while teaching leadership and responsibility.”

Celebrating local lowrider culture is central: “It helps students see lowriding not as stigmatized, but as heritage, art, family, and identity,” Arellano said. “The bikes, style, and skills tie them to their community in ways general after-school programs don’t.”

Participation also builds confidence: “Completing the program and building their bikes shows students the results of creativity and persistence,” she said. “They learn that leadership begins with taking ownership of their actions and finishes with the belief they can set goals, overcome challenges, and lead with confidence.”

Local officials and law enforcement play key roles in support. “Mayor McCann and city officials show that Chula Vista values youth development and cultural programs,” Arellano said. “Police involvement helps students see positive relationships with law enforcement, reinforcing that lowrider culture is about community and safety, not stigma.”

The program has already positively impacted students. Arellano said, “One young man arrived shy and distracted by personal challenges.

With mentor support, he improved in school, graduated middle school, strengthened family bonds, and built his bike with pride, riding it to a car show to showcase his work.”

What makes this chapter unique is its cultural focus. “Most youth programs center on sports or tutoring,” Arellano said. “Our chapter is grounded in lowrider tradition, blending artistry, engineering, creativity, and community pride. Students connect to a living cultural movement.”

Community involvement is also crucial. “Lowrider enthusiasts bring hands-on knowledge, mentoring students in technical skills, patience, and pride in craftsmanship,” she said. “Their presence validates the students and builds belonging.”

At the launch, attendees will see past students’ bikes, each reflecting personal creativity and cultural pride, along with a display of lowrider cars and Ballet Folklórico performances.

“This program uses bike building as a metaphor for life,” Arellano said. “Every part matters; every decision impacts their lives. Students learn responsibility, teamwork, patience, and leadership while creating something to be proud of.”

Learn4Life Innovation High School at 310 Broadway will host the launch at 10 a.m. Students, families, and community members are encouraged to attend and witness this fusion of culture, creativity, and leadership in action.