Universal Technical Institute to Give Laptops to Students

Rhea-AI Summary

Universal Technical Institute (NYSE: UTI) announced on July 14, 2020, that it will provide laptops to approximately 14,000 students using CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds. This initiative aims to support the transition to a blended learning model amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which combines online and hands-on training. The program is designed for students starting by September 28, 2020, and those currently enrolled. UTI's strategy aligns with the demand for skilled technicians in fields like transportation and manufacturing as the economy recovers.

Positive

• Provision of laptops for 14,000 students to facilitate blended learning.
• Support from CARES Act funds enhances educational resources.
• Focus on training skilled technicians in demand despite economic challenges.

Negative

• None.

PHOENIX, July 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute (NYSE: UTI), the nation's leading provider of transportation technician training, will utilize a portion of its CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) to provide approximately 14,000 students with laptops, which will facilitate their participation in UTI's newly designed blended curriculum.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to continue to best serve students, UTI has transitioned its on-campus, in-person education model to a blended training model that combines online, instructor-delivered teaching and demonstrations with hands-on labs. On-campus labs have been re-designed to meet CDC, state and local guidelines for health, safety and social distancing. The school is now enhancing its online offerings, giving students additional preparation for careers that use a combination of hands-on and computer skills.

"The shift to a blended learning model requires not only new instructional strategies and technologies but also an enhanced learning environment for students," said Jerome Grant, UTI's Chief Executive Officer. "Providing students with laptops will enable them to more seamlessly continue their education and stay on track to graduate and begin their careers."

Initially, students who start school by September 28, 2020, along with existing active students and those returning from a leave of absence with more than four classes to complete will receive a laptop. The laptop program is supported by HEERF CARES Act funding, which UTI is also using to provide emergency financial aid grants to students impacted by the disruption of COVID-19, and for other purposes in support of students continuing their education during the pandemic.

Consistent with guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education, UTI is allocating HEERF funding to support its students, who are training to work as transportation, welding and computer numerical control (CNC) machining technicians. These skilled technicians build and maintain vital infrastructure and equipment, service essential truck fleets, and keep vehicles on the road, and despite significant unemployment, will continue to be in demand as the nation recovers from the pandemic.

"In these challenging and uncertain times, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve and support our students and to train the skilled technicians America needs," Grant said.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
With more than 220,000 graduates in its 54-year history, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the nation's leading provider of technical training for automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians, and offers welding technology and computer numerical control (CNC) machining programs. The company has built partnerships with industry leaders, outfits its state-of-the-industry facilities with current technology, and delivers training that is aligned with employer needs. Through its network of 13 campuses nationwide, UTI offers post-secondary 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). The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

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

Media Contact:
Jody Kent
VP, Communications and Public Affairs
Universal Technical Institute
jkent@uti.edu
(623) 445-0872

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SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

FAQ

What is UTI's plan to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic?

UTI plans to provide laptops to 14,000 students to facilitate a blended learning model combining online education and hands-on training.

What funds is UTI using for student support?

UTI is utilizing a portion of its CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) for student support, including the laptop initiative.

How many students will benefit from UTI's laptop program?

Approximately 14,000 students will benefit from UTI's laptop program.

What is the deadline for students to receive laptops from UTI?

Students starting by September 28, 2020, as well as existing students, will be eligible to receive the laptops.

What skills does UTI train students for?

UTI trains students for careers in transportation, welding, CNC machining, and other technical fields that are essential to infrastructure.