Exploring the East Valley Institute of Technology: Your Path to Career Success
The East Valley Institute of Technology, or EVIT, does just that. Nestled in the heart of the Phoenix metro, this Arizona institute serves as a launchpad for high schoolers and adults eager to master skills for today’s job market. Since opening its doors in 1971, EVIT has grown into a powerhouse for technical education, blending hands-on training with real-world experience. Whether you dream of fixing cars, styling hair, or flying planes, this Valley institute offers a clear path forward.
EVIT is not your typical school. It partners with giants like Intel and Banner Health to ensure students learn what employers actually need. Serving the greater Phoenix area, it’s a hub where innovation meets opportunity. Ready to dive into what makes this East Valley school so special? Let’s explore its campuses, programs, and impact.
East Valley Institute
The East Valley Institute stands out in Phoenix Arizona for one big reason: it’s all about careers. Unlike traditional high schools, EVIT focuses on vocational education that gets you job-ready fast. High school students spend half their day here, mastering trades, while adults can enroll in flexible programs to upskill. With over 50 programs, EVIT covers everything from health programs to aviation programs.
Why does this matter? Arizona’s job market craves skilled workers. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in healthcare jobs by 2030, and EVIT’s medical courses prepare students to fill those roles. The EVIT school also boasts a 98% graduation rate, with many students landing jobs right after finishing. It’s not just a school—it’s a career springboard.
Key Facts About EVIT
- Founded: 1971
- Serves: 11 school districts in the East Valley
- Enrollment: Over 5,000 students annually
- Programs: 50+ career-focused tracks
“EVIT gave me the confidence to turn my love for engines into a career. I was fixing cars professionally before I even graduated!” — Jake M., automotive repair graduate
Accreditation
Trust matters when choosing a school. EVIT holds accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, a badge of quality that ensures its programs meet national standards. This isn’t just a fancy title it means your certifications, like those in healthcare classes or auto mechanic courses, carry weight with employers across the country.
Accreditation also opens doors for adult education. It qualifies EVIT students for federal financial aid, making evening classes more affordable. Plus, the Arizona State Board of Education consistently praises EVIT for its high standards. When you study at this technical institute, you know you’re getting the real deal.
Here’s what accreditation brings:
- Employer trust: Certifications are recognized nationwide.
- Financial aid: Adults can access grants and loans.
- Quality assurance: Programs align with industry needs.
Campuses
EVIT’s campuses are where the magic happens. With two main locations in Mesa and a third at Apache Junction High School, this Arizona institute makes technical education accessible. Each campus buzzes with modern tech, from welding torches to flight simulators, designed to mimic real workplaces.
Located in the Phoenix area schools network, these campuses serve both teens and adults. High schoolers attend for free, while lifelong learning options cater to career changers. The setup is flexible morning, afternoon, or evening sessions fit busy lives. Plus, their locations near major hubs like ASU Polytechnic spark connections to higher education.
Dr. A. Keith Crandell (Main) Campus
The Main Campus, officially the Dr. A. Keith Crandell campus, anchors EVIT’s operations at 1601 W. Main St., Mesa. Spanning 65 acres, this flagship campus hums with activity. It’s home to over 15 buildings, including labs for automotive repair, culinary arts, and digital animation.
Accessibility shines here. The campus sits steps from the METRO light rail, perfect for students across the Phoenix metro. Renamed in 2011 to honor Dr. Crandell, a visionary superintendent, it reflects EVIT’s commitment to career training. Programs here range from vehicle maintenance to video production, with students often earning certifications before they graduate.
- Campus Highlights:
- Size: 65 acres
- Facilities: Welding labs, TV studio, Bistro 13 restaurant
- Programs: 30+ offerings, including auto service class
Case Study: Sarah’s Culinary Journey
Sarah, a Mesa high schooler, enrolled at the school hub to chase her dream of becoming a chef. Through EVIT’s culinary program, she worked at Bistro 13, a student-run restaurant on the primary campus. By graduation, she earned a ServSafe certification and landed a job at a top Phoenix eatery. “The Crandell campus felt like a real kitchen, not a classroom,” she says.
East Campus
Over at 6625 S. Power Rd., Mesa, the East Campus offers a focused vibe. Opened in 2011 for $17 million, this 10-acre Power Road campus specializes in high-tech fields like aviation programs and cosmetology programs. Its sleek design and smaller size create an intimate learning space.
The ASU adjacent campus sits near ASU Polytechnic, a hotspot for engineering and tech. This location fuels programs like aircraft mechanics and healthcare classes, where students train with tools used by pros. For example, aviation students work on real plane parts, prepping for FAA certifications. It’s a specialized campus built for big dreams.
School Districts
EVIT’s reach spans 11 school districts in the greater Phoenix area, making it a cornerstone of education districts. These include Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Higley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, and J.O. Combs. This vocational district serves over 500,000 residents, offering career training to thousands.
High schoolers from these unified school districts attend EVIT tuition-free. They split their day—half at their home school, half at EVIT—learning skills like collision repair or clinical studies. Districts provide free buses, so getting to class is a breeze. Even charter and homeschool students in these high school zones can join if they live within district lines.
- How It Works:
- Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 from partner districts
- Cost: Free for high schoolers
- Access: District buses or light rail for Phoenix area schools
“EVIT’s partnership with our district opened doors for my son. He’s now a certified welder at 18!” — Maria T., Gilbert parent
Services
EVIT’s services are its heartbeat, offering over 50 programs tailored to Arizona’s job market. From health programs to aviation courses, each track delivers vocational education that leads to certifications employers love. High schoolers train for free, while adult learning programs cost as little as $3,000 per year often covered by aid.
What sets EVIT apart? Real-world experience. Students in cosmetology programs run a full salon, while flight training teens log hours in simulators. Programs like medical courses prepare students for roles like surgical tech, with 80% of graduates employed within six months. Unique offerings, like The Pulse radio station or STEM learning academies, give students an edge.
Here’s a peek at EVIT’s top programs:
Case Study: Miguel’s Flight Path
Miguel, an Apache Junction teen, joined EVIT’s aerospace education program at the East Campus. He spent two years mastering aircraft mechanics, working on real engines. By 19, he earned his FAA certification and landed a job at Mesa-Gateway Airport. “The pilot programs at EVIT felt like stepping into the cockpit of my future,” he says.
Why EVIT Stands Out in the Technology District
In the tech district of Phoenix Arizona, EVIT shines as a leader in joint technological education. Its programs don’t just teach they transform. Graduates leave with certifications, skills, and confidence to tackle jobs in growing fields. For example, Arizona’s aviation sector is set to grow 5% by 2028, and EVIT’s aviation courses are fueling that demand.
The Valley institute also fosters creativity. Students in digital animation create short films, while beauty school grads showcase runway-ready looks. With collaborative education, EVIT bridges schools, industries, and communities. It’s no wonder 90% of students recommend EVIT to friends.
- EVIT’s Impact:
- Jobs filled: 2,000+ annually by graduates
- Employer partners: 300+ local businesses
- Community events: Free health fairs, salon days
FAQs About the East Valley Institute of Technology
What makes EVIT different from regular high schools?
EVIT focuses on career training, offering hands-on skills in fields like vehicle maintenance or wellness training. Unlike traditional schools, you graduate with certifications and job-ready experience.
Which school districts partner with EVIT?
EVIT serves 11 education districts, including Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale. Students from these public school areas attend for free with district transport.
What’s the most popular program at the East Campus?
Health programs like surgical tech and aviation programs draw big crowds at the Power Road campus. Both offer high-paying certifications.
How do I apply to the Main Campus?
Visit EVIT’s website to apply for the Crandell campus. High schoolers need district approval, while adults can enroll directly.
Your Next Step with EVIT
The East Valley Institute of Technology isn’t just a school it is a game-changer. Whether you’re a teen exploring auto service class or an adult diving into clinical studies, EVIT offers tools to succeed. Its campuses, from the bustling central campus to the sleek satellite Campus, buzz with opportunity. In the vocational district of Phoenix, Arizona, EVIT proves technical education can spark lifelong careers.
Ready to jump in? Check out EVIT’s programs online or visit a campus. Your future in the technology district starts here.
