Ryder Donates $50,000 to Support Future Generation of Women Seeking Careers as Vehicle Maintenance Technicians

MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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.”

To find search for open diesel technician positions at Ryder, click here.
Or, to match your military skills to open positions at Ryder, visit http://ryder-veterans.jobs/.

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. For more
information visit www.utifoundation.net.

Contacts

Ryder:
David Bruce, 305-500-4999
David_Bruce@Ryder.com
or
Cindy
Haas, 305-500-4526
Cindy_Haas@Ryder.com
or
Universal
Technical Institute Foundation (UTIF):
Jennifer Maher, 623-445-0933
jmaher@utifoundation.net