The Sonoran Desert Institute and its history link back to 1921 and the National Radio Institute which was formerly owned by the McGraw-Hill Corporation. The original program – gunsmithing – was developed by the owner’s great grandfather and licensed to NRI in the early 1920’s. Through fortunate timing, in 1999, the Sonoran Desert Institute negotiated with McGraw-Hill to acquire certain programs, among them the exclusive rights to gunsmithing program – which is back in the family once more. Today, we have other diversified programs of study that lead to proven occupational objectives and solid careers. Our school has always held true to the notion that a sound and fundamental career education program is the best service our institution can provide.

The leadership of SDI has deep roots in American higher education and participation in the rules and regulation that impact it at both the state and federal levels. For example, our recent history involves:

In 1992, SDI President Kube was a participant in the Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. Subsequently, then U.S. Education Secretary Richard Riley invited Mr. Kube to participate in the national task force that established the financial review criteria still used today in American Higher Education for Title IV programs.

Our president participated in the National Skills Cluster that developed the skill standards for Architecture and Construction, convened by the National Association of State Directors of Career Technological Education Consortium.

Mr. Kube contributed the development of the Arizona Department of Education Construction Technologies Curriculum for High School.

In 2000, SDI leadership participated in, and helped draft, the regulations that today govern the licensing and oversight of Home Inspectors in the State of Arizona. And, to date, SDI has trained more home inspectors in Arizona than any other institution.

In 2006, SDI president Kube helped establish the educational facility planning curriculum offered at the School of Education Administration at San Diego State University. This on-line program is the first of its kind in the United States and trains in the emerging field of planning spaces where people learn.

In 2006, the president, George W. Bush invited Mr. Kube to participate in a national panel facilitated by Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez on the topic of safe schools.

These are just some of the ways that the SDI leadership has demonstrated its commitment to higher education and strive to be an effective and relevant player in the field of career education. Today, you are helping us write our history going forward.