Your Career Technical Education (CTE)
Starts Here
Shifting Gears USA supports Marin County high school students pursuing skilled trade careers through scholarships, classroom resources, and real-world exposure. No four-year college required.
Ready to Get Started?
Three ways to get involved — apply to a program, or apply for funding to support your education.
CAPP Program
Car Appreciation and Preservation Program — hands-on automotive training at Terra Linda HS. Expanding to Novato HS Fall 2026.
CTE Programs
Career Technical Education — construction, medical, welding, plumbing, and electrical pathways at Marin County high schools.
Scholarship
Up to $2,500/year for CAPP and CTE students in Marin County. Scholarship applications for 2025–2026 are now closed. Next cycle opens early 2027.
Career Technical Education
Career Technical Education (CTE) programs give you real, hands-on skills in a skilled trade while you're still in high school. You graduate ready to work — or to continue into an apprenticeship or trade school — with zero college debt.
In-School Training
CAPP & Construction at Terra Linda High School (active); CAPP & Construction coming to Novato High School Fall 2026; Medical at San Marin High School (active).
Industry Credentials
Earn certifications recognized by employers in automotive, construction, electrical, and other trades.
High-Wage Careers
Bay Area tradespeople earn $67K–$102K+ annually. Start earning within months of graduating.
Choose Your Pathway
Five high-demand trades with Bay Area wages well above national averages.
Real Students. Real Skills.
4 Steps to a Scholarship
Scholarship applications for 2025–2026 are closed. Next cycle opens early 2027.
Check Eligibility
Must be enrolled in a Marin County high school Career Technical Education (CTE) or Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP). GPA and enrollment requirements apply.
Prepare Documents
Gather your transcripts, a personal statement, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor.
Submit Application
The 2025–2026 scholarship cycle is now closed. Applications for the next school year will open in early 2027. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified.
Receive Award
Scholarship recipients are notified by email. Awards of up to $2,500 are paid directly to your trade school or program.
Questions? Contact us
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 & Construction ActiveTerra Linda High School
San Rafael, CA
Home of the Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP) and Intro to BCT A – Building (Carpentry, Framing, Painting, Roofing). Terra Linda's auto shop was revived through Shifting Gears' partnership with the school. BCT A – Building meets Wednesdays, Aug. 19th – Dec. 9th, 3–7 pm. Students build sheds, complete painting projects, use power and hand tools, go on career field trips, and meals are provided.
Coming Fall 2026★ New!Novato High School
Novato, CA
Novato High School is the next exciting expansion of Shifting Gears' mission. We are actively fundraising $1.5M to fund the Novato High program through 2029. Programs coming Fall 2026: Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP) · Intro to BCT B – Trades (Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, HVAC). BCT B – Trades meets Thursdays, Aug. 20th – Dec. 10th, 3–7 pm. Students complete electrical wiring projects, plumbing projects, MIG Welding, career field trips, and meals are provided.
Medical Program ActiveSan Marin High School
Novato, CA
San Marin High School is home to the Medical pathway — giving students in one of Marin's most diverse communities a direct path to healthcare careers. Programs offered: Medical (Healthcare).
Eligibility Requirements
Both Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP) and Career Technical Education (CTE) scholarships have the following requirements:
Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP) Scholarship
- Enrolled in Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP) at a Marin County high school
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Demonstrate financial need or academic merit
- Submit personal statement and recommendation letter
- Plan to pursue automotive career or trade school
Career Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship
- Enrolled in a Career Technical Education (CTE) program at a Marin County high school
- Any skilled trade pathway (welding, construction, plumbing, electrical)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Submit personal statement and recommendation letter
- Plan to pursue trade school, apprenticeship, or certification
Ready to Apply?
Scholarship applications for 2025–2026 are closed. Program applications (CAPP & CTE) are still open.
Scholarship applications closed — programs still open