UTI and mikeroweWORKS unveil $1M scholarship program

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (March 3, 2014) — Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has launched the mikeroweWORKS Foundation/UTI Scholarship Program, offering about $1 million for individuals pursuing technical education at UTI campuses across the country.

UTI is a provider of post-secondary education for professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians.

Mike Rowe is creator, executive producer and host of Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe." He said he is challenging the idea that a four-year degree is the best and only path for most people, while calling attention to thousands of career opportunities with companies who are struggling to fill jobs that require technical skill and expertise.

"As a country, we continue to put traditional higher education on a pedestal and accept the fact that students are graduating with tons of debt—and no job opportunity in sight," said Mr. Rowe, CEO of mikeroweWORKS. "What we really need to be doing is supporting people who have a solid work ethic and desire to learn a useful skill. These scholarships are designed to provide people with the training needed to fill jobs that actually exist. We need more skilled workers in the United States. And we need them now."

Until recently, Mr. Rowe was a longtime corporate celebrity pitchman for Ford Motor Co.

UTI offers undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 11 campuses across the U.S., as well as manufacturer-specific training programs at dedicated training centers. The institute also provides specialized education through its Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute.

Scholarship applicants are required to submit an online application and a short video making a case as to why they deserve the scholarship. In addition, all applicants must agree to sign "The S.W.E.A.T Pledge" (Skills & Work Ethic Aren't Taboo) to confirm their commitment to not just work hard but also to work smart, according to UTI. Application videos of eligible applicants will be posted on UTI's Facebook page for public voting.

Applications for the MRW/UTI Scholarship Program are being accepted from now through July 12.

More information about the MRW/UTI Scholarship Program can be found on the institute's website.