SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians, and the mikeroweWORKS Foundation (MRW) have announced the winners of the MRW/UTI Scholarship Program. In total, 33 enrolled students will receive full-tuition scholarships for the core training program of their choice at UTI campuses across the country.
Approximately $1 million in tuition scholarships will help the winners obtain a technical education, preparing them for careers as technicians in an industry that is facing a shortage of skilled workers. More than 270 finalist videos were posted on UTI’s Facebook page for a public voting period, and grossed more than 28,000 votes. Individuals applied for the MRW/UTI Scholarship by submitting an online application and a short video making a case as to why they deserve the scholarship, while also highlighting their passion for a career in transportation. In addition, all applicants signed "The S.W.E.A.T. Pledge" (Skills & Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo) to confirm their commitment to work smart and hard as they pursue careers in transportation, motorsports, marine and heavy-duty equipment industries.
"All of the applications and videos for the MRW/UTI Scholarship program were truly inspiring," said Kim McWaters, chairman and CEO of UTI. "In collaboration with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, we’re thrilled to provide the winners with the technical training they need to pursue careers in the transportation industry, where the need for skilled, professional technicians continues to grow."
With 1,634 votes, Matthew Chapman received the most votes and will attend UTI’s Exton, Pa. campus where he will be enrolled in the Automotive, Diesel and Industrial Technician Training program. In addition to Chapman, the most voted-for awardee in each program includes: Andrew Hammarlund (NASCAR Technical Institute, Mooresville, N.C.); Kevin Dacey (Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Phoenix, Ariz.); and Peter Scholz (Marine Mechanics Institute, Orlando, Fla.).
To view the winners and their videos, go to: www.uti.edu/mrw.
Mike Rowe, the creator, executive producer and host of Discovery Channel’s "Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe," and CNN’s new show "Somebody’s Gotta Do It," is challenging the idea that an expensive four-year degree is the best and only path for most people, while calling attention to thousands of career opportunities with companies that are struggling to fill jobs that require technical skill and expertise.
The MRW and UTI partnership specifically called attention to the rewarding, in-demand careers within the transportation industry. UTI works directly with top manufacturers to develop programs that meet the evolving needs of the industry, preparing students who are highly skilled and ready to work.
"Congratulations to all of the scholarship winners – your tuition is covered, now it’s time to get to work," said Mike Rowe, CEO of mikeroweWORKS. "Get the training you need at UTI so you can land a great job in the transportation business. After that, keep working smart and hard and enjoy an awesome career. Oh – and be sure to drop by mikeroweworks.com someday and tell us about it. Who knows – maybe you’ll encourage someone else who never thought about a career in transportation."
For more information about the MRW/UTI Scholarship Program and the complete list of winners, please visit: www.uti.edu/mrw.
