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Las Vegas, Nevada – January 30, 2026 –The Carroll Shelby Foundation™ (CSF) will donate $25,000 annually for the next five years to the Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) in South Africa to support scholarships for automotive technology programs. Under this new program, CSF will make an immediate impact by sponsoring young people chosen by KYP to attend automotive technology training at Next Level Skills Academy each academic year.
CSF was created in 1992 as retired racing driver and automaker Carroll Shelby waited for a heart transplant. The charity provides medical assistance for those in need, including children, as well as educational opportunities for young people through automotive and other training programs.
“Carroll Shelby established his Foundation 35 years ago to help kids win the race for life,” said Neil Cummings, co-President of the Carroll Shelby Foundation and co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International. “He expanded its mission to teach kids life-changing skills to succeed in the auto industry. The charity provides a clear, intentional and life-changing pathway for young people who want to become auto technicians. As our first international scholarship program, we’re excited to see its positive impact on South Africa.”
Finishing school is a significant milestone for many young South Africans. Yet it is often followed by limited options and uncertainty due to few quality school opportunities. Funds from CSF will address that gap.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Carroll Shelby Foundation for partnering with us at the perfect time, as we inspire young people to see trade programs as a meaningful and rewarding alternative to the traditional university route,” said Thulani Madondo, Executive Director of Kliptown Youth Program. “By providing access to high-quality automotive technical training and the acquiring of scarce, in-demand skills, this initiative opens doors that would otherwise remain closed.”
Located southwest of Johannesburg in Soweto, the Freedom Charter was adopted in Kliptown. The city is a mix of homes, government subsidized housing and impoverished shack settlements.
The idea for the scholarship was sparked when Marc Nathan, Travel Director at AHI introduced Mr. Cummings to the school during a tour. Mr. Cummings was deeply moved by his time in Kliptown.
“There continues to be a shortage of qualified auto technicians worldwide, especially in places like South Africa,” said Cummings. “Working with the Kliptown Youth Program, we plan to equip young people from a disadvantaged community with practical tools, industry-relevant training and a chance at sustainable employment. We believe this will restore hope, build confidence, and affirm the potential of young people to shape their own futures. We want to transform individual lives and contribute to stronger families, a more skilled workforce, and lasting community upliftment.”
Kliptown Youth Program was founded in May 2007, by a small group of inspired and passionate young people from Kliptown who are dedicated to making a difference in their community. KYP’s mission is to provide opportunities that will enable kids to rise out of poverty. The organization’s mission is to help members lift themselves out of poverty through education. Over the years, KYP has grown into an internationally recognized organization that has developed its members and staff into people with valuable skills with which they can change their own lives.
KYP chose Next Level Skills Academy as its auto tech training provider. It trains young people in the repair of ICE and diesel-powered vehicles. The school has topflight facilities and operations in both Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
CSF is funding scholarships and training fees to ensure students have resources they need to excel in their education at Next Level Skills Academy. The money will provide for essential needs such as transportation, food, instruction, certification, and assessment costs. In addition, it will help pay for tools, equipment, learning materials, mentoring, and program coordination. The intention is to support participants holistically from enrollment through qualification to job readiness.
“Carroll Shelby had a deep love for Africa,” said Mr. Cummings. “Following the 1967 closure of his initial USA operations, Carroll split time over the next decade between Texas and Africa. He also established a close business relationship with Superformance, which builds Shelby Cobra chassis for distribution worldwide from their South Africa factory. I’m confident that Carroll would be pleased with this program.”
The annual donation will pay the costs for three students to attend the Academy and earn their degrees. The initial commitment will enable 15 students to become certified auto techs.
About The Carroll Shelby Foundation
The Carroll Shelby Foundation was created by legendary racer and automotive manufacturer Carroll Shelby. Headquartered in Las Vegas, CSF provides medical assistance for those in need, including children, educational opportunities for young people through automotive and other training programs and benefiting the Shelby Automotive Museum. Visit https://www.shelby.com/ShelbyFoundation for more.
About Kliptown Youth Program
Kliptown Youth Program was founded in May 2007, by a small group of inspired and passionate young people from Kliptown who are dedicated to making a difference in their community. KYP’s mission is to provide opportunities that will enable our kids to rise out of poverty. Connect with the organization at www.kliptownyouthprogram.org.za/.
