New Program Launches Youth into Auto Careers

A New Hope for Automotive Education in Los Angeles

In a world where skilled mechanics are becoming increasingly rare, a new program is stepping up to fill the gap. The Acceler8 Automotive Education Program in Los Angeles is offering young people a chance to learn automotive skills and gain job placement assistance. This initiative is making waves in the community, providing a pathway for youth aged 14 to 24, with a special focus on justice-impacted youth.

The program is the result of collaboration among various sponsors and individuals who share a common goal: to create a training ground for aspiring mechanics. The first semester is currently underway in a brick building located along the banks of the cement-lined LA River. This location serves as a hub for students to gain hands-on experience and mentorship from industry professionals.

A Unique Approach to Education

What sets Acceler8 apart is its blend of seasoned automotive industry leaders, retired and active law enforcement, and youth who share a passion for cars. The program was founded by Charles Woodruff, known as Woody, who spent 27 years in the Oxnard Police Department, focusing on youth programs. He was inspired by a similar initiative in Oxnard called Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti and wanted to bring that vision to Los Angeles.

Victor Carrillo, CEO of the IDAgency, credits David Borla (of Borla Exhausts) for connecting him with Woody. “It’s been five years in the making and we finally have a permanent home,” Carrillo said. “Our first permanent home. And classes are going already. Classes are free. And we have our first permanent instructor.”

Meet RigoRatio: The Educator with a Passion for Cars

The program’s first instructor is Rodrigo Rivera, better known online as RigoRatio. With over 512,000 followers on Instagram and 530,000 on TikTok, Rigo brings a unique perspective to the classroom. His journey into the automotive world began at a young age when his father gave him a sun gear from a Chevy Silverado transmission. This early exposure sparked a lifelong interest in cars.

Rigo built his first transmission at 13 and pursued further education, earning an associate’s degree from Cypress Community College, followed by a bachelor’s in communications and a master’s in instructional design. His academic background combined with his hands-on experience led him to teach at Cypress, where he eventually met Woody.

“I pulled the trigger. I was like, ‘Yeah, let’s do it,’” Rigo said about joining the Acceler8 program. He designed the curriculum from scratch, selecting textbooks and developing units that align with the four-month program. “We just started August 28th,” he added.

Engaging Students Through Gamification

Rigo’s teaching style is both innovative and engaging. His thesis focused on cognitivism and gamification, emphasizing a student-centered approach. “I’ll split up my class. I’m a Harry Potter fan. I’ll be like, ‘All right, pick your house. I have Slytherin here, Gryffindor over there,’ and we’ll do questions. I’ll be like, 10 points of Gryffindor! And they’re yelling. They’re having a great time,” he explained.

This method keeps students engaged and excited about learning. “A lot of teachers, man, two hours, the kids are just staring at the wall like zombies. And they’re out of it, you know?” Rigo said.

Support from Industry Leaders

The success of Acceler8 is supported by a range of sponsors, including Haas, Formula Drift, the Petersen Automotive Museum, Galpin Auto Sports, Borla Performance Industries, the S. Mark Taper Foundation, and numerous government grants. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain real-world experience.

One of the most exciting aspects of the program is its collaboration with Formula Drift. Students get the chance to meet crew chiefs of teams during each stop on Formula D’s eight-round season. Over the past years, the program has brought 7,000 kids through Formula Drift competitions across the country, with 1,000 attending the recent event in Long Beach.

A Call to Action

As Rigo mentioned on one of his recent social media posts, “If you guys want to sign up for Spring 2026, click on the link in my bio at rigoratio or at acceler8education.org. Stay greasy!”

For those interested in purchasing a car, the MSN Autos Marketplace offers a great platform to find the perfect match.