BACK TO SCHOOL

from The Chandler Arizonan July 10, 2022

by Times Media Group

COMMUNITY

EVIT expands Power campus, renovates main

BY CECE TODD

East Valley Institute of Technology

The 2022-23 school year at the East Valley Institute of Technology will include expanded programs at the Power Campus, renovations at the Main Campus and reorganization as EVIT prepares to grow its adult programs, offer associate degrees and create more opportunities for youth in foster care.

In the spring, state lawmakers approved legislation that will allow Career Technical Education Districts (CTEDs) like EVIT to offer associate degrees. Gov. Doug Ducey also signed a new state budget that includes $10 million for EVIT to construct a residence hall for foster youth on its Main Campus.

“EVIT’s foundation is rooted in seeking ways to support students and communities that at times have been overlooked, underserved and under-supported,” said Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson.

For instance, he said, “Arizona has a quali�ied labor shortage and poor education attainment levels. With CTEDs being able to offer associate degrees, adults will have another option for obtaining the training and education they need to be successful.”

Arizona also has a growing number of youth who are facing signi�icant challenges as they transition out of foster care. EVIT offers a program that allows foster youth to enroll in EVIT career training while they work toward obtaining their GED. The residence hall that will be constructed will provide additional services and support.

“EVIT now has the opportunity to truly change their lives by giving them the structure and support they need to transition into a better future,” Wilson said.

EVIT will be laying the groundwork for associate degree and foster care initiatives this year by seeking approval from its accrediting body, the Council on Occupational Education, to offer associate degrees, reorganizing and hiring staff, and renovating the Main Campus.

Upon approval by COE, EVIT plans to offer its �irst associate degree in registered nursing in 2023-24. EVIT has also entered into a partnership with Heritage Academy to allow the charter school to open a high school on the Main Campus that will give preferential placement to foster youth. The charter high school will open in 2023-24.

Meanwhile this school year, EVIT has expanded programs at the Power Campus, 6625 S. Power Road, to better meet the needs of the growing population in the southeast Valley.

Facilities have been expanded for the veterinary, aviation and engineering programs and renovated and upgraded for cosmetology and health care programs.

The Power Campus also has three new programs this year – criminal justice, aesthetics and welding – that are also offered at the Main Campus. “The expansion of these programs will allow students in the southeast Valley to attend EVIT closer to home,” Wilson said.

At the Main Campus, 1601 W. Main St., Mesa, EVIT offers over 40 career training programs for high school students and a dozen post-secondary programs for adults. EVIT also provides programs at a branch campus at Apache Junction High School.

Over 5,000 high school students and adults are currently enrolled at the three campuses for the 2022-23 school year. High school students attend tuitionfree; adults pay tuition with �inancial aid available in some programs for those who qualify.

Enrollment is still being accepted for 2022-23. Start the process at evit.com/enroll. For more information, visit evit.com.

CeCe Todd is the public information of�icer for the East Valley Institute of Technology.

Left: EVIT’s medical assistant program is one of about a dozen health-care career programs off ered by the East Valley Institute of Technology. (EVIT) Right: Welding is one of three new programs that the East Valley Institute of Technology has added to its Power Campus this year. Other new programs at Power include criminal justice and aesthetics. (EVIT)