(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Dec. 16, 2025) — From engineering and problem-solving to teamwork and leadership, robotics programs across the El Paso ISD are giving students hands-on experiences that prepare them for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Students recently put those skills to the test during a VEX V5 Robotics Tournament held at the Starlight Event Center. The competition, known as the Jingle Bot Jamboree, brought together dozens of teams and hundreds of students, offering a live look into the fast-growing world of competitive robotics.
While tournaments provide excitement and challenge, instructors say the true value lies in what students learn along the way.
“Robotics encourages collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking,” said Julian Gomez, teacher and robotics coach at Chapin High School. “Students work together to design, build, test, and refine their robots, just like engineers do in real-world settings.”
During the competition, teams earned points by completing specific game objectives, requiring students to strategize, problem-solve, and adapt quickly under pressure. These experiences mirror the skills needed in engineering, manufacturing, and technology-driven careers.
Gomez says the impact of robotics extends far beyond the classroom.
“It’s an honor to be teaching these students,” Gomez said. “Sometimes they come back after graduation to tell me what they’re doing now, or they return to encourage the next generation to stay on the right track. Seeing that growth is amazing.”
For students like Chapin High School senior Ivanna Cho, robotics has opened doors she hadn’t previously considered.
“This event is important because it not only promotes STEM, but it allows students to think creatively,” Cho said. “It also gives girls the chance to try something they may have never considered, like engineering or robotics.”
Cho credits her experience in robotics with helping her clarify her future goals.
“This class helped me choose what I want to do in life,” she said. “I want to get into robotics or manufacturing.”
EPISD offers robotics opportunities at multiple campuses, giving students access to industry-aligned programs that build technical knowledge, confidence, and leadership. Through competitions, coursework, and hands-on learning, students gain exposure to pathways that can lead to college programs, certifications, and careers in high-demand fields.