It's a typical Monday morning in the Carroll Shelby Automotive Program at Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC). Young men and women in Shelby blue mechanic shirts animatedly share stories of their unforgettable trip to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. A week earlier, 10 students from the program visited the headquarters of Shelby American, explored one of the world's largest automotive trade shows, and networked with top figures in the industry. That once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was just one of many made possible for these young people thanks to the vision of one extraordinary man — Carroll Shelby.
“For a college student to get this chance is unheard of. There are master mechanics who go their whole careers without attending SEMA,” NTCC student Aiden Van Meter, said. “This is something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
At first glance, it might seem unusual for the automotive training program at a small rural college in Northeast Texas to bear the Shelby name, but it held a deeply personal connection to the racing legend. NTCC is just a few short miles from Leesburg, Texas, where Shelby grew up on his family's farm. In 2007, Shelby learned about the automotive training program at the local community college and took a personal interest in helping young people from his hometown get started in the industry.
“Carroll had a very strong connection to northeast Texas, and he spent as much time here as he could,” recalled Dr. Jon McCullough, NTCC's Executive Vice President for Advancement. “I remember him coming out to NTCC for a tour. It was like he just lit up around the students as he talked shop and shared stories. I think he saw a younger version of himself in their excitement.”
McCullough remembers the moment Shelby casually asked what it cost for a student to attend the program, and how he was genuinely surprised at how affordable it was compared to private automotive schools.
“Right then and there, Carroll said he wanted to help. That conversation was the beginning of something beautiful. He wanted these young people to learn a solid trade and go out into the world with a skill they could be proud of,” McCullough said.
In addition to granting the use of his name for the program, Shelby and the Carroll Shelby Foundation pledged $525,000 to fund scholarships and other unique learning opportunities. Shelby didn't stop at financial support. He personally selected and donated several cars to the program, including a rare 1968 Shelby GT350H. The car now lovingly restored and referred to as “The Last Shelby,” stands on display in a Pittsburg, Texas museum as a testament to his legacy and his belief in these students.
After Shelby's passing in 2012, his grandson, Aaron, took on the responsibility of continuing his grandfather's legacy to ensure that support of the program didn't stop with Carroll.
“Aaron has been a dedicated supporter, continuing the Shelby Foundation's work with a commitment that shows how much this program means to the Shelby family and to our students,” McCullough said.
As of 2024, the Carroll Shelby Foundation has donated more than $1.2 million to NTCC, providing not only scholarships, but experiences (like trips to SEMA and internships) that will shape the students' lives forever.
It's hard to put into words what Carroll, Aaron, and the Shelby Foundation have meant to this program. Their generosity has opened doors that simply wouldn't have been possible for us,” Dr. Ron Clinton, NTCC President, said. “For our students, it's more than financial help - it's a pathway to a future they might have thought was out of reach.”
The Carroll Shelby Automotive Program offers certificates and associate degrees in automotive technology, including a unique Shelby Performance Academy. They also recently added an electric vehicle maintenance program to ensure that students are prepared for the future of the industry. NTCC is located approximately two hours east of Dallas near Mount Pleasant, Texas. Campus housing and scholarships are available. To learn more, visit shelbyautotech.com. Anyone interested in contributing to the program should contact McCullough at 903-434-8115 or jmccullough@ntcc.edu.