It takes a village to raise a child
because no child grows in isolation
they grow in community
Q: Is membership free?
A: Yes — general membership is free. Minors must have parents or guardians review and sign the membership form.
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Q: What are the age requirements and do you need parental consent?
A: Requirements vary by program. Example: track driving is typically 16+ with parental consent required under 18; clutch clinics are 15+ (must have driver’s license or learner’s permit); pit crew generally 14+ (with some roles 16+).
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Q: My teen doesn't have a car — can they still participate?
A: Yes. Many participation pathways exist that do not require a car. The Community Garage also maintains a house car called “Zsa-Zsa” (a track-prepped 2008 Nissan 350Z) used for some in the Driver Sponsorship program.
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Q: Are there costs for students?
A: Membership is free. Most programs are supported by fundraising and sponsorships with zero cost to participants. Certain activities (e.g. trip to the Rolex 24 HR of Daytona) come with modest fees — contact staff to discuss financial support options.
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Q: What safety steps do you take?
A: Safety training is a core focus of ours (race/track safety, metal fabrication safety, supervised training sessions). For specific events (HPDE, pit crew), formal safety rules and training are provided. For detailed liability or insurance questions, please contact us directly.
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Q: How do internships work and what is expected?
A: Internships are short-term, vary by company, and require application, interview training, a working agreement, completion of work, and a debrief session. Participation is often a prerequisite for certain programs (e.g., driving the house car).
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Q: How can I as a parent or caregiver volunteer if I have limited time or no technical skills?
A: Many roles are non-technical: driving/chaperone, event setup, food/meal support, social media sharing, or helping to organizing small events. Contact the volunteer coordinator to match on availability.
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Q: Who do I contact for urgent questions?
A: Email drjohn@thecommunitygarage.org or call 312-505-0964. For membership, use the online membership form.