Industry is the teacher at EVIT, a public trade school providing career training to East Valley high school students and Phoenix-area adults.

“It’s one of the things that sets the East Valley Institute of Technology apart from other schools: Our teachers don’t come from a College of Education. They come from the industry they are teaching about,” said Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson. “They are able to connect with our students and engage them more because they have actually worked in the field the students want to go into.”

EVIT provides 50 occupational programs tuition-free for high school students and tuition-based for adults at two central campuses in Mesa and a branch campus at Apache Junction High School. Options include technology programs such as Software App Design, public safety programs such as Criminal Justice, and health-care fields such as Pharmacy Technician or Physical Therapy Technician, and much more. For a complete list, visit www.evit.com/programs.

Through program directors, instructional specialists, counselors and other staff, EVIT provides the guidance and support to take pilots, chefs, automotive techs, nurses and other professionals from industry to the classroom.

“The expertise in their field, the knowledge of their industry is invaluable to the education we provide,” Wilson said. “If they have that, we can provide the training and support they need to be effective teachers.”

Eric Perez teaches the Graphic Design program, and at 25 years is EVIT’s longest-tenured teacher. He has a wide range of industry experience including design, direct market advertising, publications, printing and photography. He has also continued to do contract and freelance work while teaching at EVIT.

“I truly love what I do,” Perez said. “It gives all my students a positive perspective knowing that I stay current and relevant in the industry they want to thrive in.”

Over the years, Perez has seen many changes at EVIT – the expansion of the Power Campus, the new Paul Revere Academy, and now, the addition of associate degrees – but one thing has stayed the same. “The quality of staff and teachers that are hired at EVIT,” he said. “We have a long history of hiring people who care about the mission and vision of our school.”

Among other things, EVIT instructors are training students to become cosmetologists and aestheticians, firefighters and emergency medical technicians, pilots and engineers, plumbers and HVAC techs – and so much more. For a list of current teaching openings, visit www.evit.com/about/careers.

In addition to teaching, industry plays a crucial role in advising EVIT instructors. Every program has an advisory council of industry representatives who provide guidance on current industry standards, equipment, technology and more, to help ensure that EVIT students will be prepared to enter the workforce when they complete their training.

“Our advisory board members are strong advocates and student champions,” Perez said. “They give our curriculum more rigor.”

Every day, EVIT instructors not only teach their students the skills to do the job, but also the character to be successful in any industry.

“ My philosophy is simple: Discover your passion, learn to communicate and be confident, don’t be afraid of making mistakes because you will learn from them and grow, set routines and make goals for yourself every day,” Perez said. “Be the person that people can look to and depend on as much as possible. This will set the path for your own personal success.”

Approximately 91% of high school and adult students are in jobs related to their training, college or the military within a year of completing their EVIT program.

Enrollment for 2024-25 is under way. Start the process at www.evit.com/enrollnow.

Get started on a career while in high school:

• EVIT high school programs are half-day for juniors and seniors. Students should plan ahead and take required classes for graduation early in order to have room in their schedules for EVIT.
• Check out options at www.evit.com/programs.
• Request more information at www.evit.com/requestinfo.
• Contact an EVIT recruiter – Chastain Duarte at (480) 461-4029 or [email protected], Jen Young at (480) 461-4023 or [email protected], Mark McCann at (480) 461-4168 or [email protected].
• Enroll at www.evit.com/enrollnow. High school registration opens on Nov. 1 for the 2024-25 school year. Adult applications are accepted throughout the year as programs are offered.

How to enroll in high school programs at EVIT:

• Parents/legal guardians of new students will need an active email account to access and use the online registration system. Please do not use your student’s home high school email account.
• Access and submit applications online at www.evit.com/enrollnow.
• Upload attendance record, discipline record, current unofficial transcripts and proof of immunizations.
• Admissions office will inform students via email once application is approved or if additional information is needed.
• EVIT is available to all high school students – public, charter, private or home-schooled – who reside in one of 11 East Valley school districts: Apache Junction, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Higley, J.O. Combs, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Tempe.
• More information: Call (480) 461-4108.

How to enroll in adult programs at EVIT:

• Access and submit online application form at www.evit.com/enrollnow.
• Required documents to upload with application: standard identification card, proof of graduation (high school diploma, GED or transcripts with projected graduation date), social security card, immunization card, and students over 21 years of age need a fingerprint clearance card.A
• Schedule appointment to meet with an advisor by calling (480) 461-4110.
• Tuition rates vary by program. Apply for financial aid by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov and using school code 035723.
• Send questions about financial aid to [email protected].
• More information: Call (480) 461-4110.