Real skills for real careers
Ultra4Next teaches students hands-on trade skills — welding, fabrication, automotive, 3D design, and media — and puts them face-to-face with the businesses, race shops, and employers who need them.
Building the next generation
“Ultra4Next is building the next generation of technicians, fabricators, creators, and innovators. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and a commitment to the Ultra4 spirit, we equip young people with the skills, passion, and grit to work with their hands — and their brains.”
Ultra4Next is a workforce development and career pathway program — not a fundraiser for racing. We use motorsports, fabrication, technical training, media, and employer access to make students employable.
Ultra4Next is a workforce development and career pathway program — not a charity asking you to fund activities. Motorsports, fabrication, technical training, media, and employer access all point at one outcome: employable students.
Rooted in a tradition of racing without limits, Ultra4Next is expanding nationwide — inspiring and training the leaders of tomorrow at every stop on the Ultra4 circuit. Ultra4Next is an affiliate of the Basin Wide Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, so every donation is tax-deductible.
America is short on skilled hands
- The skilled-trades shortage costs the U.S. economy an estimated $1 trillion every year.
- The auto industry alone has roughly 400,000 open technician positions — Ford has ~5,000 unfilled mechanic jobs paying up to $120,000.
- America needs 3.8 million manufacturing workers, and demand for trades is growing about 3× faster than for desk jobs.
- Ultra4Next rebuilds the pathway: students learn real skills, on real vehicles, next to the employers who are hiring.
“Electricians, plumbers, iron workers, technicians, builders — this is your time.”
Six hands-on career pathways
Training is built around the competencies employers tell us they need — taught in the shop, at the ranch, and in the pits, not just in a classroom.
Automotive Technology
Race- and off-road vehicle systems from suspension and drivetrain to fuel, cooling, brakes, and electrical — plus pre-race inspection and diagnostics on real Ultra4 machines.
Welding & Fabrication
MIG and TIG fundamentals, tube chassis work, field repairs under pressure, and preparation for AWS entry-level welding certification.
3D Scanning & Design
3D scanning, printing, and advanced design applied to real-world vehicle parts — modern manufacturing skills employers ask for by name.
Pit Crew & Race Operations
Timed pit stops, fast fueling, tire changes, radio communication, and problem-solving in a loud, chaotic, professional race environment.
Media Production
Photography, video, and storytelling covering real builds and race events — creative skills with real industry demand.
Public Safety & Event Logistics
Emergency-response training, crowd support, and the professionalism it takes to serve the public at North America's largest off-road race.
Behind the scenes at the companies that hire
Ultra4Next students have walked the floors of the industry's best shops and factories — meeting the people who build the sport, and the employers who hire. Click any company for a behind-the-scenes look at the tour.
“A mind expanded by new ideas never goes back to its original boundaries.”
Our students, doing the work
Created by students
Our students aren't just learning hands-on technical skills — they're learning media and media production, and publishing real work.
Recognized for real impact
Bosch Educator Recognition Award
Shaun Kittrell, co-founder of Ultra4Next and CTE Automotive Instructor at Silver Valley High School, honored by Bosch Mobility Aftermarket's “We Spark Performance, You Spark Change” initiative for educators who inspire curiosity and empower growth.
May 13, 2026
MDCP Partner of the Year
Alex Striler, President of Ultra4Next, received Partner of the Year from Mountain Desert Career Pathways — a collaborative of nine school districts — at MDCP's 10-year Anniversary Gala, recognizing Ultra4Next's “impact in career and technical education across the High Desert.”
April 29, 2026In the News
“He Gets Kids into Motorsports Through Education” — co-founder Shaun Kittrell on the Our Day Off Podcast, on how Ultra4Next opens the industry to students.
Start last. Finish strong.
Silver Valley High School students built a Class 11 race vehicle with Ultra4Next — then raced it at King of the Hammers, the largest off-road race event on Earth.
Starting from dead last, the student team finished in the top 10 of their class. The car passed tech, survived the desert, and every weld on it was a lesson — and every mile a job interview.
Help us build the next generation
Ultra4Next gives students direct exposure to real technical and media careers by connecting schools, employers, equipment, events, and mentors. Donors do not merely fund activities — they help create job-ready young adults and a future workforce for the motorsports and technical industries.
Ultra4Next gives students direct exposure to real technical and media careers by connecting schools, employers, equipment, events, and mentors. Donors do not merely fund activities — they help create job-ready young adults and a future workforce for the motorsports and technical industries.
Donate
Every dollar goes to student training, vehicle builds, and race-season programs — or sponsor a student's trip to an industry event like the SEMA or PRI Show. Donations are processed through the Basin Wide Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, and are tax-deductible.
Donate Equipment
Our students learn on what you give. We recognize every in-kind partner — and your product shows up in the content our students create.
Open Your Doors
Host a factory tour or shop visit, speak to students about what your company hires for, offer an internship, or invite our media team to cover your event.
Schools & Educators
Are you an auto shop teacher, CTE instructor, or school administrator? If you want to bring this program to your students — or just want to learn more — send us an email. We'll show you how Silver Valley, Hesperia, and Copper Mountain College made it work.
Get Your School Involved
