Nissan Gives $150K To UTI Foundation

Automaker Marks Fourth Year of Donations, Topping $600K

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nissan Americas has donated another $150,000 to the Universal Technical Institute Foundation.  The donation marks the fourth consecutive year that the automaker's charitable foundation has made a contribution to the UTI Foundation.

It elevates Nissan's total charitable giving to the UTI Foundation to $645,000.

The donation funds the Nissan Automotive Technical Training scholarship, and covers tuition costs for the nine-week program. Each scholarship is worth $5,000. Since introducing the NATT scholarship in 2009, the program has awarded more than 48 grants to deserving students.

"The technicians who work in Nissan and Infiniti dealerships across the country are the face of our company to many of our customers," John Spoon, Nissan vice president of Parts and Service, said.  "Through UTI, we are committed to helping aspiring technicians gain the technical skills they need to deliver best-in-class service and reinforce the trust our customers have in our brands."

The NATT Scholarship Program is available at UTI's NASCAR Tech, Boston, Houston, Orlando and Sacramento campuses. Students who fit the criteria, complete the application and obtain the endorsement of an employer, guidance counselor or instructor are encouraged to apply.  Students must also commit to a term of employment at a Nissan/Infiniti dealership upon graduation, and receive the recommendation of a Nissan or Infiniti dealer upon submitting an application.

"The continued support of Nissan Americas is outstanding and we are most grateful," Veronica Meury, UTI Foundation Vice President and Executive Director, said. "The NATT scholarship program has been a tremendous help to UTI students seeking advanced training and gives students the additional resources to achieve their dream of working for Nissan."

UTI is a provider of technical education for individuals pursuing careers as professional automotive, collision repair, diesel, marine or motorcycle technicians. Students who truly understand and exhibit the traits necessary to have a successful career with Nissan/Infiniti dealers are chosen for the NATT program.

Additional application information is available on the UTI Foundation website 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 support and encourage technical education for the automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, marine, NASCAR and other transportation industries through scholarships, grants, career development and other special programs.  For more information, visit www.utifoundation.net.

About Nissan Americas:
In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. With more than 160,000 graduates in its 47-year history, UTI offers undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 11 campuses across the United States, as well as manufacturer-specific training programs at dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, UTI provides specialized post-secondary education programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech).

For more information visit www.uti.edu. Like UTI on www.facebook.com/UTI or follow UTI on Twitter @UTITweet, @MMITweet, and @NASCARTechUTI.

Press contact:
Lisa Nicita
602.980.4441
[email protected]

SOURCE UTI Foundation