From Beat to Street: Students Transform Donated Police Cruiser to Lowrider
When a group of Modesto High students began working on a retired police cruiser, they weren’t just learning how to restore a car, they were discovering new possibilities for their futures. Hands-on, real-world experiences like this can spark confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose that traditional classroom learning alone can’t provide. Stanislaus Community Foundation (SCF) believes that investing in opportunities that help young people see what’s possible is one of the most impactful ways to shape our future. That belief is what led SCF to invest in a unique, student-centered project that transformed a retired police cruiser into a lowrider, while transforming students along the way.
The project was born out of a partnership between Jerry Thompson, Tina Perez Tateo, Betty Santos, and Esther Corona, who initially came together through efforts to lift the cruising ban in Modesto. Wanting to take their collaboration a step further, they looked for a way to meaningfully engage the community while honoring lowrider culture. Inspired by car clubs across the state that had restored former police vehicles into lowriders, the group began to explore whether a similar project could be created locally, with students at the center of the restoration.
Jerry, a retired San Joaquin County Sheriff, first met with Modesto Police Chief Brandon Gillespie, who was eager to support the project and provided a retired Crown Victoria. From there, Jerry partnered with Modesto City Schools to involve students from Modesto High School’s shop class. With the vehicle and student participation secured, the final piece needed was funding. A $15,000 grant from the Olson Family Fund made it possible for the project to move forward. Many local businesses offered parts at cost to support Jerry and the students – including the intricate airbag system to fully convert the cruiser into a lowrider. Jerry shared, “If it wasn't for the Foundation, the project would never have happened.”
For Jerry, the project was never just about restoring a car – it was about creating an opportunity for students to think differently about their futures and what comes next after graduation. “We wanted this project to show these kids there is something out there more than just a dead-end street,” he said. “I hope they are inspired to learn more and continue their education, and I’m hopeful that this will be the outlet to help them realize that they can do it.”
As the weeks progressed, Jerry noticed a significant increase in the students’ confidence. Many were working on more advanced mechanical components for the first time, pushing themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of. Installing the airbag system proved especially challenging, but the students rose to the occasion. Jorden, one of the students involved in the project, reflected on the experience, “Throughout the process of working on the lowrider, I learned valuable lessons when working on a project car – lessons like patience, part memorization, and how to create something good with friends. Overall, building the lowrider was a great experience, and I hope to build my own one day.”
With the first phase of the rebuild now complete, the project is preparing to enter its second phase this spring in partnership with Modesto Junior College. During this phase, students will learn automotive painting techniques while also gaining firsthand experience of what it’s like to attend a two-year college. Once the lowrider is fully restored, Modesto Police Department plans to use the lowrider in their youth outreach programs – offering even more students the opportunity to learn about lowrider culture while building positive relationships with local law enforcement.
This restoration project is the perfect example of what’s possible when community partnerships, education, and philanthropy come together with a shared purpose. At SCF, we are proud to invest in initiatives that empower young people with skills, confidence, and vision – because when our youth thrive, our entire community is stronger.