Superintendent's Update - August 2020
Welcome, 2020-21!
The new school year is officially under way at the East Valley Institute of Technology. We returned to in-person on-campus learning this week with an enrollment of over 5,000 and a 90 percent attendance rate, despite concerns over COVID-19. We also have another 300 to 400 enrollment applications that we are currently processing. Our largest programs are Medical Assistant, Cosmetology, Veterinary Assistant, Nursing Assistant and Welding.
Reopening EVIT
When we reopened Monday, we were not sure what to expect. We had put extensive safety protocols in place and communicated them over and over to students, but you never know what the first day of school will bring. It turned out great: Our students and staff were fantastic about wearing masks and following safety procedures. And a shout-out to our sending school districts, who bused their students to our Main and East campuses even if their schools were not yet open. Thank you for your support of EVIT students!
Adult programs
Did you know? EVIT also offers career training for adults. Accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, EVIT Adult Education offers 12 adults-only career and technical education programs: Aesthetics, Collision Repair, Cosmetology, George Brazil Plumbing Service & Repair Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration), Massage Therapy, Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, Sterile Processing Technician, Surgical Technology and Welding. EVIT Adult Education also offers a program that prepares adults for their Arizona GED exam.
Giving back
Every year, we award a car to an EVIT student who has perfect attendance. This year, we won’t be doing that due to COVID-19. But what happened after our last car giveaway, more than makes up for it. Trinity Treadway, a Red Mountain High School senior in our Fire Science Academy, won the car – and then paid her good fortune forward by giving the car to a man who was staying at a sober living house trying to get his life back on track. He had just gotten his driver’s license restored, but had no car to get to his job. Trinity’s gift meant the world to him. And we know it’s just one of many great things she will do in her lifetime.
Love defeats fear
We would like to share a video we produced as EVIT returned to on-campus learning this week. We know there will be difficult days ahead as we work hard to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. But we have chosen to honor our commitment to our students and parents because we love our students – and love defeats fear: https://youtu.be/lm6OwQBX1Pk