MESA, Arizona -- June 2, 2022 – The East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) and Mesa Community College (MCC) celebrate the success of the 11 EVIT Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program completers graduating from high school with a diploma, and a certificate of completion in early childhood education from MCC.

EVIT offers a unique program for high school students in early childhood education that allows them to earn a 19-credit certificate of completion from Mesa Community College in Foundations of Early Childhood Education – while still attending high school.

“This is a dream come true, our collaborative efforts over the last two years has led to the success of our first successful cohort,” said Annapurna Ganesh, program director of Early Childhood Education at MCC, “I am proud of the can-do spirit of Mrs. Paula Corbin, EVIT ECE teacher, my colleagues in the ECE program and the MCC Early College and Cashier's Office for their continued efforts to ensure the success of the EVIT-MCC ECE partnership. We are very grateful for the funding from the Arizona Department of Economic Services (AzDES) with the Pathways scholarship for the students.”

The program is offered through dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment at MCC. Funding from the Professional Career Pathways Scholarship Program pays for the students’ college tuition, fees and textbooks.

First-year ECE students focus on early childhood philosophy, childhood development, career opportunities and current issues in safety, health, nutrition, and curriculum development.

Second-year ECE students participate in a lab setting and focus on child guidance techniques, family dynamics, observation/assessment, advanced curriculum development and classroom management.

After completion, students are able to further their education if they want to be a teacher, social worker, nurse or childcare worker. The certificate is valuable for anyone wanting to work with children.

"We are pleased that EVIT's partnership with Mesa Community College has resulted in this great opportunity for our students," said EVIT Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson. "Earning their MCC certificate while still in high school puts them in an even better position to become employed or continue with more post-secondary training after leaving EVIT."

“We are excited that this EVIT-MCC partnership is continuing to grow and in the near future, beginning in Fall 2023 (pending approval) we will have the opportunity for the students to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education - Dual Language from MCC,” said Jamie Lopez, MCC Early Childhood Education faculty.

EVIT is currently enrolling students in the Early Childhood Education program for the 2022-23 school year. To start the process, visit www.evit.com/enroll. Learn about the MCC Early Childhood Education degree and certificate programs at mesacc.edu/programs/early-childhood-education.

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Media contact: Julie Ruiz, 480-461-7283, julie.ruiz@mesacc.edu

The East Valley Institute of Technology provides career training for high school students and adults at two central campuses in Mesa and a branch campus at Apache Junction High School. High school programs are tuition-free and accredited by Cognia. Adult programs are tuition-based, with financial aid available in some programs, and are accredited by the Commission on Occupational Education. For more information, visit www.evit.com.

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.