OREANDA-NEWS. The Ryder Charitable Foundation, which directs charitable giving and support on behalf of Ryder System, Inc., in four strategic pillars – expertise, innovation, safety, and community collaboration – today announced its grant of $50,000 to the Universal Technical Institute Foundation (UTIF), the leading nonprofit supporting post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. As part of Ryder’s giving strategy supporting expertise, this gift will help educate the next generation of female commercial vehicle technicians by providing grants and scholarships to women, including female veterans, who are committed to obtaining their auto/diesel degree from a UTI campus.

“Ryder continues to take the lead in supporting initiatives that draw more women – including female veterans – to the commercial transportation industry,” said Patrick Pendergast, Group Director of Recruiting Services, Ryder. “We are excited to work with the Universal Technical Institute Foundation in making auto/diesel education more accessible to female applicants in need.”

Ryder’s $50,000 grant will help fund two programs. First is a $30,000 donation specifically earmarked to give female veterans priority to UTIF’s Veterans at Work: Military Transition Fund program. This will provide short-term funds to help veterans bridge the gap between the time it takes for them to start their technical education and for their veterans benefits to take effect. Typically, veterans have a minimum six to eight week lag before their housing assistance begins, and the time between relocating and starting in a school can often take a toll. This funding enables veterans to get settled, start school, find a part-time job, and get on their feet without having to worry about the cash flow dilemma. Once established, the veteran regifts the funds so that it can be repurposed for the next veteran. Grants of between $1,000 and $3,500 are made to qualifying veterans who show proof of honorary service.

The remaining $20,000 donation will support UTIF’s Women’s Technical “Strong Start” Awards campaign, which leverages Ryder’s commitment to women entering the auto/diesel field by earmarking its contribution to provide Strong Start awards specifically to female applicants committed to obtaining their technical auto/diesel degree from a UTI campus. For students with great financial need, the Strong Start awards assist them in closing the gap between what they have saved and what they need for a Strong Start in their technical education. Typically, students need between $1,500 and $3,000 cash saved in order to relocate, put down housing and utility deposits, first month’s rent, and have enough living expenses for the first 30 to 60 days of school while they work to secure their part-time job.

“Ryder’s support of technician education, and particularly women in this field, is so greatly needed and appreciated,” shared Jennifer Maher, CEO/Executive Director of UTIF. “Currently only 3% of our students are female, and yet with the industry’s great workforce demand, there are enormous opportunities for women to thrive in the transportation industry. Ryder’s commitment to women, veterans and technical education is exemplary.”

Ryder Charitable Foundation

Established in 1984, the Ryder Charitable Foundation demonstrates community and industry leadership and inspires trust by supporting causes that address needs in communities where Ryder does business in the United States. The Foundation proactively solicits proposals from and awards grants solely to IRS certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose goals align with Ryder’s core values in four strategic pillars – Expertise, Innovation, Safety, and Collaboration. The Foundation is funded by operating profits of Ryder System, Inc., (NYSE: R), a leader in commercial fleet management, dedicated transportation, and supply chain solutions.

About Universal Technical Institute Foundation

Universal Technical Institute Foundation is an independent, A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that encourages and supports students pursuing post-secondary technical education and careers in the transportation industry. The Foundation distributes more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors.