| Joplin - The Franklin Technology Center is still recovering from the area’s devastating tornado in late May. But, a donation from Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and the UTI Foundation will bring the center one step closer to normalcy. The center is temporarily operating at 402 S. Grand, Joplin.
The vocational school, managed by the Joplin School District, received a “clip car” this month, which will help with rebuilding the school’s auto technician program. The car was donated by the UTI Houston campus. The UTI Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) Arizona non-profit and umbrella organization for all Universal Technical Institute, Inc. initiatives, covered the cost of shipping the car to the school.
A “clip car” is a fully-functional vehicle that has been altered, and cut in half, to become a learning tool for aspiring auto technicians. The campus is actually still displaced by the disaster, but the donation will help students move forward with their education.
“The mission of the UTI Foundation is to assist students in their quest for a technical education,” Don Ableson, UTI Foundation chair said. “We’re so pleased to be a part of the rebuilding effort at Franklin Technology Center, allowing students to continue their education.”
Travis Lathrop, regional admissions director for UTI, and Steven Coyle, a UTI field representative for the Joplin area, arranged for the donation and delivery of the car. They understood the devastation, and wanted to help.
“Steven and I were talking wondering how we could help, and luckily the UTI Houston campus had what the school needed,” Lathrop said. “It is great that we were able to reach out to the UTI Foundation for additional assistance. Hopefully this will help the school get one step closer to recovery.”
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