Carroll Shelby and Northeast Texas Community College have created the new Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Center to offer young people an opportunity to learn valuable skills in the automotive field.
The program will include a state-of-the-art facility and instruction in automotive and body repair. The Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program is expected to enroll the first class in Fall 2008. The intensive, hands-on program is designed to train mechanics to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.
"I want to help young people improve their lives through the industry that has been so good to me," said Mr. Shelby. "By giving them valuable new skills, they can be proud, productive members of society."
The program will be housed in a new automotive facility which features a climate controlled shop space, lifts, paint booth, three classrooms with roll-up doors, office, and shower/changing rooms. The curriculum will include real-life experience as students build an automobile during their last semester. The goal is for these cars to be autographed by Mr. Shelby and sold with proceeds used to help sustain the program.
The college is actively seeking a program Chair. That individual will be charged with building on the current programs, which include the AAS degree in Automotive Repair, an Auto Body Repair program offering a one-year certificate or a two -ear AAS degree, and a Diesel program offering three certificates and a two-year AAS degree.
In addition to the credited program, the partnership will also include various continuing education opportunities for community members. Other future projects could also include the creation of a Shelby Automobiles modification center and a test track on the NTCC campus.
Mr. Shelby and his companies will contribute a minimum of $525,000. These funds will be designated for student scholarships and support of the program. Other sponsors are expected to join the program. Additional information is available at <FONT color=#0000ff>www.ntcc.edu</FONT>.