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Marin County 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Career Technical
Education That
Changes Lives

We educate, guide, and motivate Marin County high school students to pursue skilled trades — funding scholarships, equipping classrooms, and connecting students to real careers.

Educate
CTE programs & resources
Guide
Career pathways & scholarships
Motivate
Real-world exposure & mentors
Since 2012
Serving Marin County
501(c)(3)
Tax-Exempt Nonprofit
5 Trades
CTE Career Pathways
CAPP + CTE
Two Giving Programs

Proud Sponsors & Partners

Presented By Price Family Dealerships

Price Family Dealerships
Educate

What Is CTE?

Career Technical Education (CTE) prepares high school students for high-wage, high-demand skilled trades. Through hands-on training in automotive, welding, construction, plumbing, and electrical programs, students graduate with real skills — not just a diploma.

  • Hands-on shop training at Marin County high schools
  • Industry-recognized certifications and credentials
  • Direct pathway to apprenticeships and trade careers
  • No four-year college debt required
Learn More for Students
Students in CTE automotive shop
$102K+
Bay Area Electrician Avg.
Guide

5 CTE Career Pathways

Bay Area mean annual wages — significantly above national averages. Source: BLS OEWS, San Francisco MSA.

Shifting Gears USA students
$2,500
Max scholarship award
Motivate

Real Careers. Real Wages. No Debt.

Shifting Gears USA funds Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP) scholarships for automotive students and CTE scholarships for all skilled trades — giving Marin County students the financial support to pursue a career that pays from day one.

CAPP Scholarships
For Car Appreciation and Preservation Program students
CTE Scholarships
For all skilled trade pathways
Zero College Debt
Trade school & apprenticeships
Marin County Focus
Local students, local impact
Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendar

Apr 30

2026

CAPP Building Kickoff Fundraiser

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Checkers, San Rafael

Sept. 16–19

2026

Shifting Gears Rally

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Marin County, CA

View details & register →

Gallery

Students & Programs in Action

Students & Programs

2024 Shifting Gears Rally
CTE student group
Students in automotive shop
CAPP class students
Students on engine block
Engines in CAPP class

Shifting Gears Rally

Shifting Gears Rally
1961 Corvette at 2015 Rally
1967 Corvette at 2017 Rally
Classic Corvette Stingray
Orange Corvette C8

Media & Press

In the News

All Coverage
Marin Independent Journal

Shifting Gears USA Launches $1M CAPP Facility at Novato High School

The Marin County nonprofit expands the Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP) to serve more students across the county.

Read more →
Marin Independent Journal

Marin County Students Find Career Paths Through CTE Programs

CTE programs at Marin County high schools are giving students hands-on experience in the Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP) and skilled trades.

Read more →

Support CTE in Marin County

Your donation directly funds scholarships and classroom equipment for Marin County students pursuing skilled trade careers.

CAPP

Car Appreciation and Preservation Program

Funds scholarships for students in the Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP) at Marin County high schools.

Donate to CAPP

CTE

Career Technical Education

Funds scholarships and classroom equipment for all skilled trade pathways — welding, construction, plumbing, and electrical.

Donate to CTE