Two Hoffman Estates Students Win $5,000 Scholarship to Universal Technical Institute
Two Hoffman Estates Students Win $5,000 Scholarship to Universal Technical Institute
Hoffman Estates High School Duo takes 2nd Place in Statewide Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition
(Hoffman Estates, Illinois, May 14, 2014) - Two students from Hoffman Estates High School recently placed 2nd in the Illinois 2014 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition, earning them each a $5,000 scholarship to attend Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the nation's leading provider of post-secondary education for individuals seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians.
Edward Pszczolkowski and Christian Ramirez, led by instructor Dave Ligman, were the runner ups at the statewide competition held at UTI's Lisle campus on May 9. The state final featured two-person teams from 10 high schools. The 20 participants had the highest scores of the more than 300 students who took the qualifying exam. The "hands on" competition measures automotive knowledge, workmanship, and problem-solving abilities.
"The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition is an annual tradition that brings together the country's best future automotive technicians," said Julie Mueller, campus president of UTI Lisle. "It is rewarding to see so many talented students from our high schools competing for this award and it was UTI's privilege to host this event. We wish Edward and Christian the best in their future careers."
In addition to the $5,000 scholarship, Pszczolkowski and Ramirez each received a full scholarship for the Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) elective program. Ford FACT is one of the manufacturer specific advanced training programs UTI students can take after completing a core automotive or diesel program. The Ford FACT program is an estimated $8,000 scholarship.
Across its national 11-campus network, UTI has partnered with more than 30 top brands in the transportation industry, including Ford, to create curricula tailored to manufacturers' standards and equip its campuses with the latest vehicles, equipment, tools and training aids.
AAA and Ford Motor Company have been longtime sponsors of the annual competition as a way to encourage young people to pursue careers as automotive service technicians. Events like the Student Auto Skills Competition ensure the development of a quality workforce that is ready for the rigors of industry. Winners in state-based and national hands-on skills competitions can win various levels of scholarships from UTI.
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 180,000 graduates in its 49-year history, UTI offers undergraduate degree and diploma 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.
About Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills
Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills is a nationwide automotive technology competition that offers millions of dollars in scholarships and prizes to high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers as automotive service technicians. Approximately 13,000 students from across the U.S. compete for the chance to represent their school and state in the National Finals. The competition tests students' automotive knowledge, workmanship and problem-solving abilities. For additional information on the competition, visit http://autoskills.aaa.com/.
About AAA
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 54 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 181,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.
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