Universal Technical Institute & NAPA Announce 8th Annual "Summer Ignite" Program for Nation's High School Juniors

Rhea-AI Summary

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and NAPA have announced their 2025 Summer Ignite program, a three-week hands-on automotive and motorcycle repair training initiative for high school juniors. The program, running since 2021, aims to address the strong demand for skilled technicians and offers students exposure to technology-driven transportation careers. Students who pass end-of-course exams can earn transfer credits toward future UTI programs, reducing educational costs. NAPA is providing free uniform shirts to all participants. The program will be offered across 14 UTI locations nationwide between June and July 2025, with multiple sessions available at several campuses. According to UTI alum Jeremy Oskins, the 2024 program proved transformative for students, with several participants planning to enroll at UTI.

Positive

• Program offers transfer credits that reduce future educational costs at UTI
• Partnership with NAPA provides free uniforms to participants
• Addresses strong workforce demand in the automotive technician field
• Wide accessibility with 14 locations nationwide offering the program

Negative

• None.

Three-week hands-on automotive and motorcycle repair training gives students a preview of transportation careers.

PHOENIX, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the transportation, skilled trades, and energy education division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc., and NAPA, today announced the 2025 Summer Ignite program.

Designed to address workforce demand, the program provides training and insight into the industry. Students who successfully pass the end-of-course exam(s) can also earn transfer credit toward a future UTI program, which helps reduce their educational costs.

"As the demand for skilled technicians remains strong, and Gen Z is considering educational paths outside of a traditional four-year degree, Summer Ignite is a valuable opportunity that exposes students to hands-on, technology-driven transportation careers," said Universal Technical Institute Division President Tracy Lorenz.

Since 2021, UTI and NAPA have partnered to support the future of those seeking careers in the transportation and aftermarket auto repair industries. As part of the program, NAPA is providing all Summer Ignite students with three uniform shirts free of charge.

"Automotive technicians are in high demand and this profession empowers young people to take control of their career path in a meaningful way," said Emily Schneider, senior director of marketing, NAPA. "We're proud that our continued work with UTI can help solve the demand for skilled technicians and support the next generation as they consider this path."

UTI alum and Comanche High School Automotive and Robotics Instructor Jeremy Oskins helped several students attend the 2024 Summer Ignite session at UTI-Austin. "The experience was transformative. They started seeing the technology and systems they'd only encountered in video games come to life in real vehicles," Oskins shared. "Thanks to Summer Ignite, their interest in the field is turning into a career path, with several enrolling at UTI this fall."

Applications for the three-week-long Summer Ignite program are now open¹:

• UTI-Austin (Texas): Session 1: June 23, 2025; Session 2: July 14, 2025
• UTI-Avondale (Ariz.): Session 1: June 2, 2025; Session 2: June 23, 2025
• UTI-Bloomfield (N.J.): July 14, 2025
• UTI-Dallas: Session 1: June 23, 2025; Session 2: July 14, 2025
• UTI-Exton (Pa.): July 14, 2025
• UTI-Houston: Session 1: June 23, 2025; Session 2: July 14, 2025
• UTI-Lisle (Ill.): Session 1: June 2, 2025; Session 2: June 23, 2025
• UTI-Long Beach (Calif.): July 14, 2025
• UTI-Miramar (Fla.): July 14, 2025
• UTI-Orlando (Fla.): June 2, 2025
• UTI-Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.): June 23, 2025
• UTI-Sacramento (Calif.): June 23, 2025
• UTI-Phoenix (Ariz.): June 9, 2025
• UTI-Mooresville (N.C.): July 23, 2025

For further details or to enroll, visit www.uti.edu/ignite.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider serving students, partners and communities nationwide. The company offers high-quality education and support services for in-demand careers via its two divisions: UTI and Concorde Career Colleges. The UTI division operates 15 campuses located in nine states and offers a wide range of transportation, skilled trades, electrical and energy training programs. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in eight states and online, offering programs in the allied health, dental, nursing, patient care and diagnostic fields. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu; LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges; or X at @news_UTI and @ConcordeCareer.

ABOUT NAPA
Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 16,000 auto care and collision centers in the U.S., NAPA has America's largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com. 

Media Contacts
Alanna Vitucci
avitucci@uti.edu
480.710.6843

¹ Courses offered for Summer Ignite may vary by campus location.

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SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

FAQ

What is UTI's Summer Ignite program 2025?

Summer Ignite is a three-week hands-on automotive and motorcycle repair training program for high school juniors, offered by Universal Technical Institute in partnership with NAPA, designed to provide insight into transportation careers.

When does UTI's Summer Ignite 2025 program start?

The program has multiple sessions across different locations, with the earliest sessions beginning June 2, 2025, at UTI-Avondale and UTI-Lisle campuses.

What are the benefits of UTI's Summer Ignite program?

Benefits include hands-on training experience, potential transfer credits toward future UTI programs, free NAPA uniform shirts, and exposure to technology-driven transportation careers.

How many locations offer UTI's Summer Ignite program?

The program is offered at 14 UTI locations across the United States, including campuses in Texas, Arizona, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, Florida, and North Carolina.

Can Summer Ignite participants earn credits for future UTI programs?

Yes, students who successfully pass the end-of-course exams can earn transfer credits toward future UTI programs, helping reduce their educational costs.