East Valley Institute of Technology outlines programs, Hope Tech dorm for foster youth

At a Scottsdale City Council meeting, representatives from the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) described the institution's career and technical education programs and a new residential program for foster youth.

"The vast majority of our kids go to college," EVIT Superintendent Chad Wilson said, arguing the programs both prepare students for the workforce and improve college persistence. Wilson and Peter Boyle, vice president of the EVIT governing board, showed a student video and highlighted partnerships with Boeing, Honeywell and Intel and the STEM Academy at the Power Road campus.

Wilson described a state-funded dormitory called Hope Tech, built with a $10,000,000 legislative appropriation to house foster youth who have aged out of the child‑welfare system and lack a year‑13 plan or safe housing. "Hope Tech opened last July," Wilson said; the superintendent said the facility is a 64‑bed dormitory that opened with 18 residents, is serving 32 this year, and plans to grow toward the 48–64 range next year.

Peter Boyle said EVIT offers over 50 certification programs and is expanding adult offerings, including the district's first associate degrees. Boyle called EVIT "the best kept secret in the East Valley" and invited council members to visit the Coronado Fire Science Academy and other campuses.

Council members praised the programs and asked about eligibility for the Coronado Fire Science Academy. EVIT officials said students from Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), other public districts, charter, parochial and homeschooled students are eligible to enroll and that the academy includes hands‑on training and certifications in partnership with the Scottsdale Fire Department.

Wilson framed Hope Tech as paired housing and wraparound services: residents live on campus, receive supports for mental health and workforce connections, and participate in CTE programs intended to connect them to "purpose and a paycheck." He said the program opened last year and is being scaled incrementally.

EVIT requested continued partnership with the city on outreach and campus visits. Council members indicated interest in tours and further collaboration.

Provenance: EVIT presentation and Q&A began at 00:10:17 and continued through discussion at roughly 00:25:24 (transcript segments).