Career Technical
Education in Marin County High Schools
CTE in Marin County High Schools focuses on hands-on learning in essential service industries including construction, healthcare, automotive technology, electrical, and welding.
Support Our Programs
Two Ways to Make a Difference
Your donation directly funds hands-on education for Marin County students. Choose the program that resonates with you.
CAPP
Car Appreciation & Preservation Program
CAPP is a hands-on automotive program at Novato High School where students restore classic cars, learn mechanical skills, and gain real-world experience in automotive technology.
- Hands-on automotive training at Marin high schools
- Novato High School $1M CAPP program buildout
- Partnership with Marin County Superintendent of Schools
- Real-world career pathways in the auto industry
CTE
Career Technical Education
CTE programs across Marin County high schools provide students with industry-recognized certifications in construction, healthcare, automotive, electrical, and welding — opening doors to well-paying careers.
- Industry-aligned vocational curriculum
- Trade & automotive technology certifications
- Scholarships up to $2,500 per school year
- Apprenticeship placement & career support
Skilled Trades = High Wages, Zero Debt
Explore five career paths Marin County high school students can start today through CAPP and CTE programs.
Reviving Marin County's Auto Shops
For decades, Marin County high school auto shops sat closed and forgotten. Shifting Gears is changing that — one school at a time.
CAPP Program ActiveTerra Linda High School
San Rafael, CA
Home of the CAPP program — Terra Linda's auto shop sat dormant for over a decade before Shifting Gears partnered with the school to restore hands-on automotive training. Students now work on real vehicles under certified instructors, earning industry-recognized credentials before graduation.
Revitalization UnderwayNovato High School
Novato, CA
Novato High's auto shop was shuttered for years, leaving students with no pathway into the trades. Shifting Gears is working to revitalize the program, bringing back the equipment, curriculum, and industry connections that once made it a gateway to well-paying careers in automotive and mechanical trades.
Partnership in DevelopmentSan Rafael High School
San Rafael, CA
San Rafael High's once-thriving auto program fell silent as funding dried up and equipment aged out. Shifting Gears is partnering with the school and local trade unions to bring the shop back to life — giving students in one of Marin's most diverse communities a direct path to skilled, well-paying careers.
Why We Exist & What We're Building
Our Mission
The mission of Shifting Gears USA, a car enthusiast organization, is to develop, enhance and fund vocational/technical educational programs in Marin County high schools, with emphasis on automotive technology.
Our Vision
We envision a Marin County where every high school student has access to quality career technical education, equipping them with the skills and confidence to pursue rewarding careers in the trades and technical fields.
Students First
Every program decision centers on student outcomes and career readiness for Marin County youth.
Automotive Culture
We celebrate the automobile as a vehicle for education and opportunity since 2012.
501(c)(3) Certified
Your donation is fully tax-deductible. EIN 88-0808894. Founded by Charles Goodman.
Scholarship Awards
We award trade school scholarships up to $2,500 per year to aspiring Marin technicians.
Why We Exist & Our Vision
The mission of Shifting Gears USA, a car enthusiast organization, is to develop, enhance and fund vocational/technical educational programs in Marin County high schools, with emphasis on automotive technology.
Paid internships leading to job opportunities
CAPP is a hands-on automotive program at Novato High School where students restore classic cars, learn mechanical skills, and gain real-world experience in automotive technology.
$2,500 Annual Award
CTE programs across Marin County high schools provide students with industry-recognized certifications in construction, healthcare, automotive, electrical, and welding — opening doors to well-paying careers.
Mentorship from industry professionals
We envision a Marin County where every high school student has access to quality career technical education, equipping them with the skills and confidence to pursue rewarding careers in the trades and technical fields.
Join Us
March 20
2026
Career Days for Juniors & Seniors
March 21
2026
Sonoma Raceway – The Lemons Race
April 30
2026
CAPP Building Kickoff Fundraiser
New CAPP Building at Novato High School
Shifting Gears in Action
Students & Programs
The Shifting Gears Rally
Our Sponsors
PRICE
Family Dealerships
Aston Martin · Bentley · Ford · Jaguar · Lamborghini
Land Rover · Lincoln · Maserati · McLaren · Polestar
Rolls-Royce · Toyota · Volvo
PriceFamilyAdvantage™
Novato Rotary
Community Partner
San Rafael Rotary
Community Partner
Golden State Lumber
Sponsor
Board of Directors
Our board is composed of passionate car enthusiasts, business leaders, and community advocates.
Charles Goodman
Founder & Chair
Named one of the Top 50 Collectors in North America by Sports Car Market Magazine. Founded Shifting Gears in 2012.
Mike Westbrook
Vice Chair
General Manager of Ford Lincoln Fairfield. NADA academy graduate with 20+ years in automotive retail.
Mark Essman
Secretary
35+ years of automotive event experience including Hot Rod Magazine's Americruise and SEMA.
Tamara Hull
Treasurer
CPA and accomplished racing driver. Co-founder of the BMW Car Club of America Foundation.
Brian Su
Board Member
New board member bringing fresh energy and perspective to Shifting Gears USA's mission.
"A Good Education Is a Foundation for a Better Future!"
5.0 · Google Reviews · Shifting Gears USA, San Rafael CA
Ready to Make a Difference?
Your contribution directly funds automotive and career technical education for Marin County students. Thank you for your interest in making a charitable donation to fund our continuing work with CAPP and CTE.
Apply for a Scholarship
Shifting Gears USA awards annual scholarships to Marin County students pursuing careers in automotive technology and the trades. Awards of $2,500/year are available for students meeting our eligibility criteria.
Mike Rowe on Skilled Trades & Hard Work
The host of "Dirty Jobs" shares why skilled trades are the path to economic freedom — and why young people should take them seriously.
Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal
Why Trades?
Hear from Marin County CAPP and CTE graduates who chose the trades path — and haven't looked back.
"I came into the CAPP class not knowing a carburetor from a crankshaft. By the end of the year I'd rebuilt an engine from scratch. That hands-on confidence is what got me my apprenticeship at a shop in San Rafael — not a four-year degree."
Marcus T.
CAPP Graduate · Now a Journeyman Auto Tech
"Everyone told me college was the only path. The CTE welding program showed me there's a path that pays $75K a year right out of high school. I have zero student debt and I own my own truck. My college friends are still paying off loans."
Destiny R.
CTE Welding Graduate · Union Welder, Local 377
"The Shifting Gears scholarship didn't just pay for school — it told me someone believed in what I was doing. I'm the first in my family to finish a trade program. Now I run a crew of five at a commercial electrical contractor in Novato."
Javier M.
Shifting Gears Scholar · Electrical Crew Lead
* Testimonials are representative of program graduate experiences.