Acceler8, an independent non-profit automotive education program founded by law enforcement veterans to help at-risk youth, is heading into 2026 with incredible momentum thanks in large part to funding from the California Community Reinvestment Grants (CalCRG) program, which will allow a significant expansion of its efforts to train and mentor at-risk youth.

The Acceler8 team was recognized by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the funding has been put into immediate effect. With the new funding, the organization secured a permanent location in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles under the new 6th Street Bridge, and appointed Rodrigo Rivera as full-time head of education and chief instructor, who will be spearheading the new Acceler8 Automotive Education Program. 

Already underway are the 16-Week Basic Mechanic Classes. The new career-focused program has been designed for young adults aged 18 to 24 and is based on an ASE curriculum to train students for entry-level certification with the ability to connect graduates to industry career opportunities.

New for 2026 will be the introduction of the California Pre-Apprenticeship Program available through Acceler8 as part of a vocational training pathway designed to prepare individuals for the workplace. In particular, the program is aimed at candidates who are disadvantaged or low-skilled and is intended to help them enter and find success in California's Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). 

The programs are formally registered with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) and require a documented partnership with at least one DAS-approved apprenticeship sponsor. 

For more information, visit acceler8education.org.