About EVIT Education Foundation

Established 20 years ago with the sole purpose of providing financial support for students from EVIT’s over 100 East Valley high schools (including those in 11 school districts) who are unable to cover program and certification fees, the Foundation helps students in need cover the expenses associated with the school’s two-year career- or technical-training programs. 

As program participants, students spend half the day at their original high school and half the day at an EVIT school, where they undergo training for a particular career or trade. Upon finishing the program, they apply for certification or licensure in their chosen fields of study.

Funds generated by the Foundation help cover these fees, and they also go toward the equipment, supply, uniform, and in some cases, tool costs associated with their chosen fields of study. Depending on the program, these fees range from $150 to $600 per student. 

The Foundation was established because of the increasing number of students who desire to attend EVIT but cannot cover the fees. Today, no student is denied admission to EVIT because of financial concerns.  

The Foundation assures that all students wishing to attend will have the financial support they need. Comprised of 13 business and community leaders, the Foundation hosts an annual fundraising breakfast supporting its mission. Funds generated by the Foundation have remained relatively constant from one year to the next, but the need for financial assistance has increased yearly. The EVIT Foundation has helped hundreds of students undergo vocational and career training, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships over the past five years. Yet, costs are rising, enrollment is increasing, and even more students will need assistance in the future. 

Support from local businesses and industries is critical to the Foundation’s success in fundraising. Its last annual breakfast drew 40 table sponsors, with sponsorship levels ranging from $1,500 to $15,000. Those funds went directly back into the community via the Foundation’s scholarships.