Boeing, Honeywell partner with EVIT to launch Arizona STEM academy
Boeing and Honeywell Aerospace Technologies are partnering with the East Valley Institute of Technology to create a new STEM academy for high school students and adults in Mesa, the trade school announced Monday.
The STEM Academy at EVIT will provide students with training, experience and certifications to prepare them for STEM-related jobs. Enrollment for the academy starts Nov. 1 and classes are slated to begin in July 2025 at EVIT’s Power Campus at 6625 S. Power Road, according to an EVIT announcement.
Students in the academy may receive priority consideration when applying for jobs at Boeing and Honeywell, according to the trade school.
“We are so appreciative of the innovative and progressive thinking of industry leaders Boeing and Honeywell who recognize that there is a place in STEM careers for all students – and not just the college-bound,” Chad Wilson, superintendent at EVIT, said in a statement. “Not only do they recognize this, but they are willing to provide resources, roll up their sleeves and get in there with us to give our students the training they need to be successful in STEM careers.”
EVIT is a public trade school that provides 50 career training programs at two campuses in Mesa. In May, EVIT began offering associate degrees and was awarded a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish a hub for registered apprenticeships in Arizona, according to the trade school’s website.
The school did not specify a number of available spots for its STEM academy as it does not plan to cap enrollment for the program at this time, Stephaine Frimer, EVIT Associate Chief Academic Officer, told the Business Journal.
In the first year, the program will offer STEM training for high school students in three career tracks: aviation, engineering and manufacturing. After the first year, additional tracks — including adult programs — will be offered. The high school program will initially be funded by the state.
“As we look past this initial phase, we will be considering all of our options for additional funding for facilities and resources,” Frimer said. “Any adult programs we offer as part of the academy will be tuition-based.”
Industry partners will help design training for the STEM Academy at EVIT, including internships, work-based learning opportunities and preparation for students to earn certifications.
“At Boeing, we recognize the significance of establishing community partnerships to meet the growing demand for Arizona’s future in aviation, engineering and manufacturing,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager of vertical lift for Boeing defense, space and security, in a statement. “The STEM Academy at EVIT offers students an unprecedented opportunity to get a head start on their careers while gaining real-world, hands-on experience.”
Jim Currier, president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, said in a statement that the EVIT program was “such a wonderful fit” for the company. Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, headquartered in Phoenix, is a division of Honeywell International Inc. (Nasdaq: HON).
EVIT and industry partners will present more information about the STEM academy at a pre-launch brunch event from 8:30-10 a.m. on Sept. 4 at EVIT’s Power Campus. In addition, EVIT is hosting an open house with tours, exhibits and presentations from 5:30-7 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the Power Campus.