The EVIT Foundation is celebrating 25 years of helping students pursue hands-on career training at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT).
Since 1999, the Foundation has provided vital support through scholarships and essential tools, breaking down financial barriers so students can focus on building their futures, according to a press release.
“What began with a simple gesture — board members passing a hat to collect $6,000 — has grown into a powerful legacy,” the release said. “Today, the foundation plays a crucial role in helping students attend EVIT, which serves high school students from more than 100 campuses across the East Valley.”
In the 2024–2025 school year alone, the foundation awarded 1,331 scholarships totaling over $330,000, the largest amount in its history. Through its Tools for Success program, students also receive uniforms, gear and industry-specific equipment they need to train and thrive in fields such as automotive, welding, cosmetology, culinary arts, construction, aviation, electrical, HVACR, graphic design, plumbing and more, the release continued.
“Many EVIT students are working hard to build a better life,” said Denny Brown, executive director of the foundation. “Our job is to make sure money isn’t the reason they can’t chase that goal.”
The Foundation’s impact is made possible by what Bron called a “generous network of donors, sponsors and community partners,” recognized as Friends of the EVIT Foundation, Legacy Builders and Difference Makers, whose support is “helping the next generation enter the workforce with real-world skills and confidence.”
Board Chair Larry Christiansen agreed.
“The impact of our foundation is inevitable,” Christiansen said. “Just as the word ‘inevitable’ means certain to happen, our support ensures that EVIT students receive the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”
After 25 years, the mission continues: open doors, remove obstacles, and give every student the tools to turn hard work into a meaningful career. For more information, visit evitfoundation.org.
