Former Louisiana History teacher Dustin LaFont established and directs Front Yard Bikes, a work force development program for young people. Photo Credit: Neighborhood Works America
Recently I stumbled across a story on CNN about a former Louisiana history teacher named Dustin LaFont. He established and directs Front Yard Bikes, a work force development program for young people in Baton Rouge.
Dustin, a participant in the nation’s AmeriCorp program, earned his Bachelor’s degree in History and his Master’s degree in Teaching, both from Louisiana State University. After earning his degrees, he taught sixth grade history and also served as a tutor with City Year Baton Rouge. As a public school teacher in a poverty-stricken neighborhood, Dustin witnessed first-hand how desperately the young people in his classroom needed a safe after-school space. And he knew from personal experience how crucial early support and intervention is. Through helping kids fix and build bicycles, Dustin saw all the opportunities to help meet those needs. That’s what led him to change the direction of his career.
The former teacher’s work with kids and bicycles was launched when a friend asked him to help a youngster fix his broken bicycle. The boy carried his badly damaged bike over to Dustin’s house. Dustin took one look at the bike, and said the thing was beyond hope. But he had another old bike which the two could work on together, right there in the front yard. Before long, kids were coming in droves to Dustin’s front yard, all seeking help to repair their bikes. The ultimate result was the nonprofit program Front Yard Bikes. After relocating to a run-down, abandoned, low-rent factory building, the youngsters quickly showed up, asking for help with building their own bicycles. Through the process, they learn real-world skills such as mechanics, welding, and cycling safety. And they also receive mentoring, academic support, and job training opportunities.
Dustin’s work with young people has earned him national attention. In addition to the CNN story, he was a featured TEDxLSU speaker, awarded the Blue Cross Blue Shield Angel Award, earned the Baton Rouge Business Reports 40 under 40, and received the Dorothy Richardson Award in Chicago.
Kudos, Dustin!
