The Lowrider Lab: A Lowrider STEAM Program

Engineering with Culture

Lowrider Lab is a hands-on space where engineering, creativity, and culture come together on wheels. Students design and build custom lowrider bicycles, models and remote-control vehicles while learning real-world STEM skills. Every project teaches problem-solving, teamwork and practical engineering while giving students the freedom to express themselves through design and movement. Lowrider Lab is more than a program. It’s a space to build confidence, explore creativity and connect STEM to culture in a way that moves.

  • Students will start by building model lowrider cars and exploring the basics of mechanics and design. They will engage in fun, hands-on activities that will introduce them to key STEM concepts such as physics, engineering, and problem-solving. Through simple activities and interactive demonstrations, students will be exposed to the world of lowriders and their cultural significance.

    Beginning Summer 2026


  • Students will engage in remote-controlled (RC) lowrider car challenges and explore the fundamentals of vehicle design. Middle school students will also have opportunities to work on simple engineering projects, such as designing and building miniature lowriders and RC vehicles. They will collaborate with high school students and college mentors to further explore STEM fields and gain exposure to more complex concepts.

    Beginning February 2026

  • High school students will have the opportunity to construct full-scale lowrider bicycles. This will involve a deep dive into the engineering, design, and customization of vehicles, as well as hands-on work with advanced tools and materials. High school students will work alongside college students from engineering and automotive programs, collaborating on joint projects such as designing and building prototype lowriders and vehicles.

    Beginning March 2026

Clubs

About the Program

The Columbia Memorial Space Center brings together experts from the local lowrider community to create The Lowrider Lab: A Lowrider STEAM Program, a dynamic educational initiative designed to engage youth in Los Angeles through the hands-on creation of lowrider bicycles, remote control cars and small, scale models. This program will provide opportunities for youth to develop skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). Participants will have access to mentorship from experts in the lowrider community and professionals in manufacturing, engineering and arts fields. Through this project, students will develop their technical abilities, learn valuable life skills, and create strong community connections. We aim to create a culturally relevant, fun and educational environment that fosters positive engagement for the youth across Los Angeles.

A key component of Lowrider Lab programming is preparing students for success beyond high school by offering robust career exploration and college readiness support. This includes workshops on career pathways, scholarship guidance, and entrepreneurial training. Additionally, the program will establish valuable partnerships with college engineering, aerospace, and automotive programs to offer students direct exposure to higher education opportunities and specialized fields that align with the skills they are developing in the program.

Club Workshop Sessions

Clubs will be meeting on select Sundays here at the Columbia Memorial Space Center. 

All sessions run from 11:00am - 3:00pm.

Our Goals

  • Establishes a program in Los Angeles, providing youth with the opportunity to build and customize lowrider bicycles, model cars, and RC cars, all while developing
    skills in STEAM.

  • Create an educational environment where youth can explore subjects such as engineering, mechanics, physics, and artistic expression by working on hands-on projects.

  • Emphasize teamwork, camaraderie, and community building through club participation, fostering positive youth development.

  • Introduce career exploration workshops, entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and college and scholarship guidance to ensure students are well-prepared for life beyond high school.

  • Collaborate with local colleges and universities offering engineering and automotive programs to provide mentorship, career advice, and hands-on project collaboration opportunities.

Join the Lab!

Interested in signing your student up for the Lowrider Lab? Please fill out the form below and program staff will reach out shortly. Once spots are filled, we will be creating a waitlist, with students being added as spots open, in the order they are added to the waitlist.