Hands-on skills.
Real confidence.
A community built to ride.
BRAAP is a San Francisco youth program where high school students learn motorcycle mechanics, responsible riding, and practical problem-solving through hands-on instruction and mentorship.
More than a motorcycle program
BRAAP gives San Francisco high school students a safe, structured place to learn by doing.
With guidance from experienced instructors and mentors, students progress from motorcycle fundamentals to maintenance, advanced mechanical work, customization, and responsible riding practices.
Along the way, they learn how to solve problems, work with others, and take pride in what they can build—developing practical skills for future careers and confidence for whatever comes next.
What students gain
BRAAP uses motorcycles as a platform for technical learning, personal growth, and community.
Learn
Build practical skills in motorcycle maintenance, repair, and customization.Practice
Develop safe habits, sound judgment, and responsible riding practices.Solve
Work through real mechanical challenges with patience and independence.Grow
Gain confidence, collaborate with others, and learn from trusted mentors.Move forward
Explore pathways into mechanics, fabrication, skilled trades, and technical careers.
The people behind BRAAP
BRAAP is led by educators, mechanics, mentors, and community members who believe young people thrive when they are trusted with meaningful work.
Andre
CEO / Cofounder / Curriculum & Instruction
Andre Higginbotham is a San Francisco educator, automotive-program advocate, and small-business owner with ties to the Excelsior neighborhood. He has taught in San Francisco Unified School District for a combined 18 years at George Washington High School and June Jordan School for Equity, where he has taught history, auto mechanics, and motorcycle mechanics. Cars, motorcycles, and airplanes aren't simply hobbies—they have become part of his approach to teaching and community engagement. As a longtime mechanical enthusiast, he is a proud co-founder of BRAAP and looks forward to continuing to reshape the teaching of our youth. Furthermore he and his wife, Lea Sabado, opened Excelsior Coffee in 2017 in San Francisco's Excelsior District.
Lea
CFO
Lea Sabado is a San Francisco small-business owner, entrepreneur, and community advocate best known as the co-owner of Excelsior Coffee in the Excelsior District, which she runs with her husband, Andre Higginbotham. The couple opened the neighborhood café in 2019 after choosing the Excelsior because of its multicultural, working-class character and strong sense of community. She is also connected to San Francisco's motorcycle and vintage-vehicle culture and has used community events to create a positive, welcoming space for that culture. More recently, she has advocated for small-business needs, including accessible outdoor spaces and neighborhood programs like BRAAP.
Nicole
Cofounder / Program Director
Nicole Warner is an educator, mom, lifelong learner, and former teacher with SFUSD. A student now herself, she is looking forward to earning her master’s degree in social work in spring 2027 to continue to work in her community. She is passionate about alternative learning spaces, youth programs, workforce development, and networking. She is a lover of lowriders, nature, and taking very long walks around SF, the city that raised her. She is looking forward to the continued growth of Beginning Riders and Aspiring Professionals BRAAP!
Heather
Board Treasurer
Heather Clements was born and raised in San Francisco. She is an educator and former teacher at June Jordan School for Equity. Although she knows zero about motorcycles, Heather has a profound appreciation for engaging afterschool activities for teens that develop their passions and force them to be tight in community. You can find Heather teaching English at Chabot College in Hayward, and living her best life in Oakland, CA.
Eli
Board President / Volunteer
Eli is an aficionado of anything with a motor. His high school auto shop class laid a critical foundation for his career as an engineer. He has been volunteering weekly with BRAAP since 2021, helping students wrench on and ride bikes. Eli is a big believer in the opportunities the program provides for students to build skills and self-confidence through tackling real-world challenges in the garage and on the track.
John
Board Secretary
John Quintos is a San Franciscan, married, and raised two children in San Francisco. He has long been involved in San Francisco business redevelopment and the city’s small business community.
He was the founder and partner of 330 Ritch Street, a bar and music venue, from 1993 to 2008. He is also the CEO of Cento Coffee Co., which has operated multiple retail shops, and has served in that role since 2006.
John also has a deep motorcycle background. He held an AMA road racing license from 1988 to 1995 and is currently an AHRMA member, active in both road racing and motocross. An important part of his life has been introducing his city-raised children to motocross starting at age five, and riding together remains a family tradition today.
What the BRAAP community says
"What I admire most about the BRAAP program is the autonomy that seems to be given to the students. My son feels so empowered and trusted that it has translated into a very high level of respect for both Mr. Higginbotham and Ms. Warner. This sentiment is not necessarily commonplace with other authority figures in his academic life. I like that the rules for the course are laid out in a clear and concise manner and that safety is such a stressed factor of the course."
— Jason, Parent
"In two years, I rebuilt my own bike, I learned how to jump on my bike, and I became a part of a community."
- Student, Alum
"This is a unique high school program that prepares students for the real world where they can figure out how to solve unstructured or scary problems and learn new skills."
— BRAAP Volunteer
Help build what comes next
Community support gives young people access to tools, safety equipment, motorcycle parts, skilled instruction, and a welcoming place to learn.
Your contribution helps BRAAP serve more students and create more opportunities for hands-on learning, mentorship, and career exploration.
Volunteer your skills
Companies and community organizations can support BRAAP through sponsorships, equipment donations, career exposure, and program partnerships.
Become a partner
Help students learn in a safe, structured workshop environment. Mechanically experienced volunteers should be able to commit for at least one semester.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
DONATION
Your contribution makes a real difference in the lives of our young mechanics. With your support, we can expand our program and invest in new equipment.
