MPS Foundation donates $25K to EVIT for Mesa students in industrial trades

The Mesa Public Schools Foundation has awarded the East Valley Institute of Technology a $25,000 grant to pay program fees for 275 Mesa district students enrolled in EVIT’s industrial trades programs for the 2026-27 school year.

Through the grant, Mesa students enrolled in heating, ventilation and air conditioning; construction technologies; welding; and electrical and power transmission installation programs will receive Bison Scholarships from the foundation to ensure they can pursue their career goals, according to a release.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Mesa Public Schools Foundation for partnering with EVIT to remove financial barriers and expand opportunities for students,” Marlo Loria, director of CTE and innovative partnerships for Mesa Public Schools, said in the release. “Their support helps make it possible for more students to access high-quality programs that lead directly to meaningful career pathways.”

The foundation’s Bison Scholarship program supports students who are pursuing trade and vocational education at EVIT, Mesa Community College and Grand Canyon University.

In EVIT’s industrial trades programs, students learn skills to earn quality credentials they need to be ready for entry-level employment upon completion of the program and graduation from high school.

“Not only is the Mesa Public Schools Foundation removing barriers for Mesa students to pursue high-demand careers in the industrial trades, but they are also helping fuel the pipeline of much needed skilled workers to Arizona industry,” EVIT Superintendent Chad Wilson said in the release.

Wilson added that the foundation donation is yet another example of how Mesa Public Schools and EVIT are working together to expand education opportunities and workforce development. In July, EVIT will open two new specialized campuses at Mesa high schools that any students in the EVIT Career Technical Education District may attend to train as welders and certified nursing assistants: EVIT Welding at Skyline and EVIT CNA at Red Mountain.

“These opportunities are possible because Mesa Public Schools is putting the needs of their students first and working with EVIT to find ways to help more students pursue the career field of their choice,” Wilson said. “We are pleased to partner with Arizona’s largest school district and the Mesa Public Schools Foundation.”

Mesa Public Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1985. Go to https://mesa-foundation.org/about.

Mesa Public Schools — Mesa Unified School District No. 4 — serves more than 50,000 students across 78 schools from preschool through 12th grade. Go to https://www.mpsaz.org.

The East Valley Institute of Technology is one of 14 CTEDs in Arizona, funding and overseeing central campuses in Mesa and Scottsdale and satellite programs in 11 school districts and American Leadership Academy charter school. Go to www.evit.edu.