# Shifting Gears USA — llms.txt
# AI/LLM crawler discovery file
# https://llmstxt.org

> Shifting Gears USA is a Marin County, California 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 88-0808894) founded in 2012. We provide **free, accredited Career Technical Education (CTE) and CAPP programs** for students age 16 and older at Terra Linda High School (San Rafael), Novato High School (Spring 2027), and San Marin High School. Our mission is to educate, guide, and motivate young people to pursue skilled trade careers in automotive technology, construction, welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and health sciences.

## Key Facts

- **Organization:** Shifting Gears USA
- **Type:** 501(c)(3) Nonprofit | EIN: 88-0808894
- **Founded:** 2012
- **Location:** Marin County, California
- **Contact:** info@shiftinggearsusa.org
- **Website:** https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org
- **Programs:** Free and accredited — no tuition, no fees
- **Eligibility:** Students age 16 and older
- **Schools:** Terra Linda HS (active), Novato HS (Spring 2027), San Marin HS (Health Sciences)

## Programs

### CAPP — Car Appreciation and Preservation Program
Hands-on automotive restoration. Students rebuild Chevy V-8 engines and manual/automatic transmissions under professional instructors.
- Terra Linda HS: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 pm
- Novato HS: Tuesdays, 2:00–5:00 pm (launching Spring 2027)
- Apply: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/apply/capp

### CTE — Career Technical Education
Construction trades, welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing.
- Apply: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/apply/cte

### Health Sciences
Medical/health career pathway at San Marin High School.
- Info: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/cte-medical-san-marin-high-school

## Scholarships
Up to $2,500/year for qualifying CTE and CAPP students.
- Apply: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/apply

## Fundraising Campaign
Raising $1.65M to build the Novato High School CTE center (Spring 2027 launch).
- Campaign: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/novato-buildout-plan

## Donate
Tax-deductible donations support scholarships, classroom equipment, and program expansion.
- Donate: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/donate

## Sponsors
Current sponsors include Price Family Dealerships, Pacific Union Investors, Orbis Electric, Gorton Wealth Management Group, Club Wheelhouse, Ranch 7 Creative, and Wizard Threads.
- Become a sponsor: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/sponsors/apply

## Press Coverage
As featured in the Marin Independent Journal.
- News: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/news

## Instructors
- John Callas — CAPP Lead Instructor, Terra Linda HS
- Davy Woods — BCT A Building, Terra Linda HS
- Erik — CTE Instructor

## Optional (full pages)

- Home: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/
- About: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/about
- Students: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/students
- Parents: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/parents
- Career Pathways: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/pathways
- Events: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/events
- Contact: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/contact
- Privacy Policy: https://www.shiftinggearsusa.org/privacy-policy