Universal Technical Institute (UTI) will offer free technical education for high school juniors interested in trade careers this summer.
The three-week program, called "Summer Ignite," is designed to help juniors make critical decisions about their post-secondary educational options.
The free program is the same introductory technician course taken by new UTI students. Once completed, participating high school students can test to earn course credit that can be applied if they enroll at UTI, lowering their cost of attendance.
"Our free Ignite program introduces a new generation of young students to a UTI education and the fulfilling career opportunities that await in the skilled trades," says UTI Division President Tracy Lorenz. "It's critical that we bring programs like this to our campuses, so that we can deliver the trained technicians our employer partners need. But it's also important that we provide prospective students with opportunities to fund their education."
UTI campuses also host high school students for competitions such as Skills USA and the Top Tech Challenge/Auto Tech Challenge, giving them a chance to win tuition grants. A total of over $710,000 in grants was awarded in 2022 through these competitions, which are held on an annual basis. High school seniors are also encouraged to apply for the "American Dream Grant." Participants can earn a grant up to $2,500, with a total of $475,000 available annually to 380 students maximum. Grant awards are based on how students do on a written test containing both academic and technical questions, UTI says.
"It's encouraging to see growth in these competitions and in our 'Summer Ignite' program as we open students' eyes to the demand for skilled workers," says Lorenz. "It's promising to see so many motivated, goal-driven young people willing to spend part of their summer taking our classes, learning new skills and getting a jumpstart on a technical education."
Participating campuses and program dates include:
- UTI-Austin (TX): June 26-July 14; July 17-August 4
- UTI-Avondale (AZ): June 5-June 23
- UTI-Bloomfield (NJ): July 17-August 4
- UTI-Dallas (TX): June 26-July 14; July 17-August 4
- UTI-Exton (PA): July 17-August 4
- UTI-Lisle (IL): June 5-June 23; June 26-July 14
- UTI-Long Beach (CA): June 5-June 23; June 26-July 14
- UTI-Miramar (FL): June 26-July 14
- UTI-Orlando (FL): June 5-June 23
- UTI-Rancho Cucamonga (CA): June 26-July 14
- NASCAR Technical Institute (NC): July 17-August 4
For more information or to register for "Summer Ignite," visit uti.edu/programs/ignite.
