In recognition of the service and sacrifices made by veterans of the armed forces, the East Valley Institute of Technology has started a series of initiatives to help them succeed through career and technical education.

“We recognize the unique strengths and experiences that veterans bring to our community, and we are committed to helping them succeed in their educational career journeys,” Elizabeth Sharkey, workforce development coordinator at EVIT, said in a release.

EVIT offers a dozen post-secondary career training programs for adults at its Main Campus, 1601 W. Main St., Mesa. Options include certificate programs, paid apprenticeships and associate degree programs. All training is hands-on and prepares students to earn professional certifications and licenses. Tuition varies by program, with financial aid and veterans benefits available for some programs. EVIT also offers interest-free payment plans for students who don’t qualify for financial assistance.

EVIT’s veterans initiatives are aimed at supporting, honoring and celebrating those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. They include:

• Veteran-focused support services to navigate academic programs, access resources and connect with career opportunities.
• Spotlighting throughout the year the experiences and journeys of veteran students to inspire the EVIT community and build a deeper understanding of the diverse paths veterans take.
• Financial aid and scholarship guidance to assist veterans in identifying financial resources, scholarships and grants to help them access education.
• Career pathways and placement support to connect veteran students with local employers.

“We are continually working toward enhancing our programs and resources for veterans,” Sharkey said. “Our goal is to ensure that all veterans feel welcomed, supported and equipped to thrive at EVIT and beyond.”

Halko Zangana served in the Army from 2009 to 2012, and is now enrolled in EVIT’s plumbing program. His goal is to work in the plumbing service industry and to eventually operate his own company. “EVIT was the best choice to utilize my GI bill and get into the skilled trades,” he said.

After completing EVIT’s criminal justice program for high school students in 2019, Andrew Levie served five years in the Marine Corps. Now he also is enrolled in EVIT’s plumbing program for adult students. He hopes to work in residential service plumbing or new construction.

“For veterans, I would say that all programs here are very engaging,” Levie said. “You’ll learn not just in the classroom; you’ll put what you learn into action in a professional training environment.”

Enrollment is underway for EVIT’s associate degree programs in nursing and surgical technology that begin Dec. 30. Applications also are being accepted for the following postsecondary programs that start Jan. 6: collision repair; cosmetology; emergency medical technician; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration; plumbing, sterile processing technician; and welding. Apprenticeship programs in electrical, HVACR, plumbing and structural metal fabricator (welding) also start in January. Applications are being accepted at www.evit.edu/enrollnow.

Veterans who are interested in learning more about EVIT programs can contact Admissions Director Cris Manzo at cmanzo@evit.edu or 480-461-4013. For questions about financial aid, email adultfinancialaid@evit.edu.

“At EVIT, we are deeply grateful to our veterans for their service, and we’re honored to walk alongside them in this next chapter of their lives,” Sharkey said. “If you know of a veteran student who could benefit from these resources or has a story to share, please encourage them to connect with us.”

EVIT is a public trade school offering career training for Phoenix-area adults and East Valley high school students at two central campuses in Mesa. Go to www.evit.edu.