Alchemy Skateboarding & Education Center uses a common interest—skateboarding—to engage youth, leading to social, educational and personal development. We believe it promotes confidence, determination, creativity and resiliency as important aspects of growth and fulfillment. Youth are connected with the greater community by integrating innovative programs into the public school system, civic initiatives and social service organizations in order to improve outcomes for marginalized and at-risk youth. We partner with three schools within the Tacoma School District to offer for-credit high school courses in skateboarding, which include the history of board sports, conflict between dominant and sub-cultures, use of public spaces through semiotics and symbolism, ramp construction and physical education. Alchemy operates the city’s only indoor skate facility, a safe, positive and vibrant community hub for children, youth and young adults. Approximately 10% of Alchemy’s drop-in youth are experiencing homelessness. Skateboarding Alchemy Leadership Team (SALT) focuses on cultivating leadership skills and strategies, employment readiness and civic engagement, connecting small groups of youth with local business, government and nonprofit leaders to spearhead a community change project. This program exemplifies the transformational power of education as it shows previously disregarded youth that they are capable of making positive changes in their community. Alchemy hosts Go Skate Day in Tollefson Plaza in the heart of downtown Tacoma each June. 1,000 community members gather annually for a family-friendly, city-wide celebration of the spirit, discipline, resilience and athleticism. In 2015, Tacoma City Council ceremoniously removed the “No Skateboarding” signs in the plaza, officially welcoming youth to this visible space in the heart of the city.
