UTI Foundation to Kick off the New John C. and Cynthia L. White MMI Founder Scholarship Program in 2011

PHOENIX, Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- For those interested in pursuing a career as a motorcycle technician, a new Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Foundation scholarship may be able to help. Beginning in 2011, the John C. and Cynthia L. White MMI Founder Scholarship program will annually award eight students, four at UTI's Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) in Orlando and four at MMI Phoenix, with a $5,000 tuition grant-in-aid scholarship payable over the term of their curriculum completion.

John White purchased the Phoenix-based Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in 1977. At that time, there were only 11 students and two instructors. Now, 33 years later, tens of thousands of students have graduated from the school.

"I am proud that MMI has touched so many lives and has helped provide successful careers for people with a passion for motorcycles," said White. "This matching scholarship will hopefully encourage students and alumni to give back. Our goal is to have the scholarship program continue to grow so many more students have an opportunity to pursue a rewarding career."

The Whites have pledged $125,000, a dollar for dollar matching funds challenge to establish the scholarship program.  Both MMI campuses in Orlando and Phoenix, along with the UTI Foundation, have committed to raise the additional funds needed to reach $250,000 in total scholarship support.  A variety of fundraisers are planned including bike shows and the UTI/MMI employee Care 2 Share campaign.

"John and Cynthia White have always been committed to working closely with students and school personnel to enable as many students as possible to pursue motorcycle careers," said Veronica Meury, vice president and executive director of UTI Foundation. "Their generosity and long-term dedication to helping others obtain technical training will help many deserving students achieve their dream of becoming a motorcycle technician."  

Students who fit the criteria can complete the scholarship application and apply for the award at www.utifoundation.net.

About UTI Foundation:

The UTI Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Arizona nonprofit, is the umbrella organization for all Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) not-for-profit initiatives and is dedicated to raising funds to further its mission and strategic goals.  The UTI Foundation supports technical education for the automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, marine and NASCAR industries through scholarships, grants, career development and other special programs.  For more information, visit www.utifoundation.net.

About Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI):

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI), is a division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI), a leading provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional automotive, collision repair, diesel, marine and motorcycle technicians.  With campuses located in Phoenix, Ariz., and Orlando, Fla., MMI is supported and equipped by all six major motorcycle manufacturers – American Honda, American Suzuki, BMW, Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA and Yamaha Motor Corp., USA. Universal Technical Institute, Inc. also offers specialized technical education programs at eight other campuses across the country through several well-known brands – Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech).  For more information, see www.uti.edu.

SOURCE UTI Foundation