UTI Foundation to Participate in Combined Federal Campaign

All Funds Raised Will Go Towards Scholarships For Veterans

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the second straight year, the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Foundation will participate in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) in an effort to raise money for scholarships specifically for veterans.

The UTI Foundation joins other recognized nonprofits that are selected through a rigorous application process.  CFC is an annual workplace fundraising campaign conducted by military and federal employees.  Last year, the UTI Foundation collected about $8,000 during the fundraising drive, all of which went to help military veterans enrolled at UTI.  

Christopher Gregoire, a GSM2 with the U.S. Navy and recent UTI graduate, needed the help last year.  Gregoire nearly suspended his education because of financial turmoil.  The UTI Foundation, using money raised from the CFC campaign, stepped in to help.

"I was seriously considering dropping out of school because I couldn't pay my bills and go to school at the same time," Gregoire said. "The UTI Foundation gave me some money to catch up on my bills. Because of that, I was able to go to school."

Gregoire, a New Hampshire resident, is now on his way to Chicago for post-graduate specialized training.

Veronica Meury, UTI Foundation vice president and executive director, hopes to raise even more money this year. Meury knows how valuable assistance from the foundation can be for veterans who are eager to begin civilian lives and transition into a technical career but experience some financial problems.

"The CFC is such a powerful program, especially because 100 percent of what we raise goes directly to veterans," Meury said. "It helps them jump-start their careers."

Federal employees can support the UTI Foundation, and veterans like Gregoire, by designating national charity #70172. All funds received through the CFC will support veterans attending any of the Universal Technical Institute schools, including UTI, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, NASCAR Tech, and Marine Mechanics Institute.

CFC donations to UTI Foundation provide scholarships, grants and other financial support for veterans. The CFC runs through Dec. 15.

About the 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.  

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 150,000 graduates in its 46-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 (NTI). UTI was designated a Military Friendly School in 2011 by G.I. Jobs magazine, and always offers a 15% discount on tuition to veterans.

To learn more about UTI and its training services, log on to www.uti.edu.

About Combined Federal Campaign

Over the last 50 years, federal employees have donated more than $6 billion to the Combined Federal Campaign, making them one of the most powerful philanthropic forces in the world.  The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 200 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

Media Contact:
Universal Technical Institute Foundation
Lisa Nicita
602-980-4441
[email protected]

SOURCE UTI Foundation