PHOENIX – Vo-tech students interested in pursuing a career as a motorcycle technician will have a new financial resource available through the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Foundation. 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.