Auto Pros Academy
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About Us

Auto Pros Academy was built on the foundation of a 41-year automotive repair business serving Lancaster, California. We understand the industry because we’ve lived it — and that real-world experience shapes everything we teach.

Our Mission

Changing Lives Through Automotive Education

Educate young people—especially those from underserved communities—to build successful, high-demand careers in automotive technology. We do this by providing hands-on training, real-world experience, and direct pathways from middle school exploration to paid apprenticeships and job placement.


Our Vision

A future where every student, regardless of background, has the skills, confidence, and opportunity to thrive in the automotive industry—fueling local economies and transforming lives through education, mentorship, and meaningful work.

Why Choose Us?

We help students turn curiosity about cars into real-world skills and great careers.
Our Candid Profile

Expert Instruction

  • Hands-on training from day one: Learn by doing, not just by watching. Clear path from middle school to career: Start as early as 12. Graduate ready for a paid apprenticeship and a high demand career.

  • Taught by experts: Learn from a Certified ASE Master Technician with 40+ years of experience.

  • Guaranteed real shop experience: Get out of the classroom and into a working auto shop.

  • Direct connection to jobs: Our nationwide network helps you land your first job fast.

Who We Serve

  • Middle and high school students (ages 11–18) in Lancaster & Antelope Valley

  • Especially those who want a hands-on, high-paying career without college debt

Our Programs: Simple Steps to Success

1. Middle School STEM Program: Fun, after-school activities to spark interest and build basic skills

2. High School Prep & Advanced: Step-by-step training, real shop work, and test prep for ASE certifications

3. Paid Apprenticeship: Earn money while you learn, with personal mentorship from industry pros

4. Job Placement: We help you get hired—locally or nationwide

Why Now?

Auto repair jobs are growing. Skilled techs are in demand. You can earn a great living—no four-year degree required.

Key U.S. Technician Shortage Stats

  • Projected Shortage Size: The U.S. is on track for a shortage of 642,000 technicians by 2024 if current trends persist.

  • Current Workforce & Training: The U.S. automotive technician workforce reached 794,600 in 2023, up 5% from pre-pandemic levels.

  • Only 48,000 techs completed training programs in 2020, while demand nearly doubled from 136,503 in 2020 to 258,000 in 2021.

Meet the team 

Get to know the people who make Auto Pros Academy possible. We’re a team of experienced professionals, passionate educators, and community leaders dedicated to helping students succeed in the automotive industry.

Danci Gutierrez 

Danci Gutierrez – Executive Director & Founder. Danci started Auto Pros Academy to give every student a real chance at a great career, especially those who might otherwise be left out. With 30+ years in business, sales, and community work, she leads with heart and vision. Danci’s mission: make sure every student who puts in the work gets the support they need to succeed—no matter where they start

Rudy Gutierrez

Rudy Gutierrez – Head Instructor. Rudy is a Certified ASE Master Technician with over 40 years of hands-on experience and a degree in engineering. He’s worked in research and development at Ford, run his own shop, and built a reputation for fixing the toughest problems. Rudy believes in teaching both the technical skills and the integrity needed to thrive in the industry. His motto: “Leave people better than you found them.”

Aleythia Suarez

Aleythia Suarez – Executive Assistant & Social Media Coordinator. Aleythia keeps the Academy running smoothly and ensures our story reaches the community. With a strong background in customer service and team leadership, she’s committed to empowering youth and building connections. Her motto: “Be the person who makes things happen.”

What We Do

We provide free, practical automotive education for middle and high school students in Lancaster and the Antelope Valley. Our programs connect classroom learning with real shop experience, mentorship, and direct job placement support.

  • Start early: Our after-school STEM program for middle schoolers sparks curiosity and builds confidence.

  • Skill up: High school students get advanced training, hands-on shop time, and prep for ASE certifications.

  • Earn and learn: Graduates move into paid apprenticeships, working alongside experienced pros.

  • Get hired: We help students land jobs—locally and nationwide—so they can start earning right away.

Why We’re Different

  • 100% tuition-free. No financial barriers.

  • Focused on underserved youth and increasing diversity in the automotive industry, especially for young women.

  • Led by a Certified ASE Master Technician and a team with decades of real-world experience.

  • Our seamless pathway takes students from first spark to first paycheck.

 Our Story

Founded in 2025 by Danci Gutierrez, Auto Pros Academy was created to fill a gap: local schools had dropped auto shop programs, and the nation faces a critical shortage of skilled technicians. Danci’s vision—backed by 30+ years in business and a deep commitment to youth empowerment—brought together educators, industry leaders, and community partners to build a program that truly changes lives.

 Our Commitment

We’re here to support every student who’s ready to put in the work. With expert instruction, a safe and supportive environment, and a direct path to a real career, we’re building the next generation of skilled, ethical, and confident automotive professionals.
Our Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our program and its benefits.

What age groups can enroll in Auto Pros Academy?

Auto Pros Academy welcomes currently registered middle school students and high school students (typically ages 11–18) who are interested in exploring careers in the automotive industry.

For the 2026–2027 school year, currently registered middle school students, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are enrolled in our Automotive Engineering & Technology Prep Program (Intro to Automotive), where they learn together in a professional automotive repair facility through hands-on instruction and real-world automotive experiences.

The Future Auto Techs Middle School STEM Program remains an important part of our long-term vision and is temporarily paused while we actively pursue funding to bring the program back for future students.

As Auto Pros Academy continues to grow, students will have the opportunity to progress through our workforce development pathway, including the Automotive Engineering & Technology Advanced Program, Two-Year Paid Apprenticeship Program, and Automotive Job Placement Program.


What school has the after-school program?

Where are Auto Pros Academy classes held?

All Auto Pros Academy classes are held at Auto Pros Automotive, our professional automotive repair facility located at:

Auto Pros Automotive
44136 10th Street West, Suite 205
Lancaster, CA 93534

For the 2026–2027 school year, students enrolled in the Automotive Engineering & Technology Prep Program (Intro to Automotive) receive hands-on instruction in a real automotive repair shop under the supervision of ASE Master Technician Rudy Gutierrez.

Unlike a traditional classroom, students learn in the same professional environment where automotive technicians work every day, gaining real-world experience while developing technical skills, workplace professionalism, teamwork, and confidence.

Please note that classes are not held on a school campus. Learning takes place inside our fully operational automotive repair facility, providing students with an authentic and engaging educational experience.

What is the enrollment process?

Interested students can apply online through our website or contact us directly for guidance on how to enroll.

Is there a fee to attend the academy? 

No, there is no fee to attend the academy. As a non-profit organization, we are committed to providing educational opportunities for youth in our community who want to pursue a career in the automotive industry.

Why do we teach in teams of 5?

Teamwork builds stronger skills and deeper understanding. By working in teams of 5, students learn from each other, tackle real-world problems, and develop the collaboration and communication essential for STEM and future careers, especially in the automotive industry. Studies show this approach is especially effective for middle school students, leading to higher engagement and better learning outcomes.

What skills will students learn at Auto Pros Academy?

Students will learn essential automotive repair skills, diagnostic techniques, and hands-on experience under professional guidance.

What will I learn in the Future Auto Techs Middle School STEM Program?

You’ll dive into 15 hands-on automotive repair STEM projects, exploring engineering, technology, and real-world problem-solving. Each project is designed to spark creativity while building skills in teamwork, design, and innovation. You’ll discover how cars work, tackle real repair challenges, and learn about exciting careers.

Who teaches the courses?

Courses are led by our head instructor, a Certified ASE Master Technician with over 40 years of industry experience.

How will I be graded in the program?

In the Future Auto Techs Middle School STEM Program, you aren’t graded individually. Instead, your team of 5 students earns points together for each project, based on creativity, concept, and design. At the end of the school year, the top three teams with the most points are recognized as first, second, and third place winners.

How can I contact Auto Pros Academy for more information?

You can reach us at 661-414-7070 or email us at contact@auto-pros-academy.org for more inquiries.

  • Who should I contact with questions?
    Contact Auto Pros Academy directly—they will be happy to help.

  • Do students need to bring any supplies?
    All materials and tools will be provided.

  • What if a student misses a session?
    There are no makeup sessions; students will need to rely on their teammates to fill them in on what they missed.

Join Us Today!

Discover the exciting world of automotive repair with Auto Pros Academy. Empower young minds, bridge the skilled technician gap, and shape the future of the automotive industry together.  Apply now, classes start in the fall of 2026. 
Join Us Today