Maricopa County spends $150K on EVIT program to aid youth leaving foster care program

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has agreed to provide $150,000 that will be used to assist young people living in housing at the East Valley Institute of Technology.

HopeTech, a new 64-bed residence hall at EVIT, will receive the support to help young people leaving foster care to have safe housing while receiving career technical training at the school.

“Investing in our young people as they transition out of foster care is an investment in the future of our communities,” District 2 Supervisor Thomas Galvin said.

“Workforce training provides them with important, economically viable skills and the opportunity to build a stable, successful life.”

The money will be used for furniture and appliances and transportation “to allow greater ease of accessing the 65-plus acre property and transporting youth to appointments and training,” a county release stated. There also will be funds for recreational courts and equipment to provide opportunities for physical activities.

“The generous support from Maricopa County is more than a financial gift,” EVIT Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson said. “It provides students with additional resources and support needed to step confidently into adulthood and onto a pathway towards independence and prosperity.”

HopeTech is the first program of its kind in Arizona, combining housing and support services for foster youth with career training at a Career Technical Education District campus, according to the release.

EVIT offers 50 career training programs for Phoenix-area adults and high school students who reside in 11 East Valley school districts – Apache Junction, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Higley, J.O. Combs, Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Scottsdale.

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