Shifting Gears USA, a San Rafael-based nonprofit that provides funding for instruction in the automotive and skilled trades for Marin County high school students, announced the recipients of its 2026 scholarship awards. Eight deserving students were selected to receive scholarships in recognition of their academic achievement and dedication to pursuing careers in automotive or vocational fields.
The scholarship awards reflect Shifting Gears USA’s ongoing commitment to expanding scholastic opportunity and supporting students as they take the next step toward their education and career path. This year the nonprofit granted $30,000 in funding.
“We are proud to recognize these exceptional students and celebrate their hard work, perseverance, and promise,” said Charles Goodman, founder and chairman of Shifting Gears USA. “Each recipient represents the values this scholarship was created to support, and we are honored to play a role in helping them continue their education and training.”
The scholarship award recipients and their future institutions are:
● Josue Chan-Escobar, Contra Costa College
● Phoebe Cowlin, Gonzaga University
● Devon Foster, College of Marin
● Mateo Garza, California State University, Fullerton
● Robert Martinez
● Nayeli Mazariegos, Manhattan University
● John Morris, McPherson College
● Quoyah Nilson, Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Recipients were selected based on academic performance, essay submission and recommendation letters. The scholarship funds are to be used to support tuition, books, fees and other education-related expenses.
“Receiving this scholarship is an incredible honor,” said Mateo Garza, one of this year’s scholarship recipients. “I am grateful for the support and excited to continue working toward my educational goals.”
Established in 2024, the Shifting Gears USA Scholarship Program supports students who demonstrate an interest in the automotive industry or vocational arts. Since its founding, the program has endowed 14 annual scholarships to help students pursue their education and build bright futures.
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