(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – May 20, 2026) — More than 300 El Paso ISD students took an important step toward their futures Wednesday during the district’s fourth annual Healthcare and Career Expo at the Starlight Event Center, where graduating seniors connected directly with hospitals, colleges, healthcare professionals, and potential employers.
The event brought together students from the Center for Career and Technical Education (CCTE), Jefferson and Silva Health Magnet, Franklin High School, Irvin High School, and El Paso High School — all of whom are graduating with Industry-Based Certifications in high-demand healthcare fields such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Patient Care Technician (PCT), Pharmacy Technician, Physical Training, and more.
SEE MORE PHOTOS: El Paso ISD's 4th Annual Healthcare Fair
"Events like our 4th annual Healthcare Expo and Hiring Fair equip learners with skills, exposure, and confidence needed to succeed beyond the classroom," said El Paso ISD Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk.
Throughout the day, students explored exhibitor booths, attended breakout sessions, networked with healthcare organizations, and even participated in job interviews with local employers. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso) also played a major role in the event, hosting multiple sessions and informational tables to help students explore continuing education opportunities in medicine and healthcare.
For Silva Health Magnet senior Eduardo Saucedo, the expo represented more than just a networking opportunity, it was another step toward a lifelong dream inspired by personal experience.
“I’m mostly looking to get some connections and check out the opportunities that are out here,” Saucedo said. “I just recently signed up for an interview next week with Providence, and I’m just putting myself out there to try and land a job and get experience so I can take it to nursing school with me.”
Saucedo recently earned his associate degree and completed nursing school prerequisites while still in high school through El Paso ISD’s early college programming.
“Thanks to EPISD because they paid for everything like my certifications,” he said. “I’m going to continue at UTEP for my RN program, and after that I plan to go to medical school to become an oncologist.”
His passion for medicine comes from watching doctors help save his father’s life during a battle with cancer in Mexico City.
“That moment inspired me to say, ‘I want to help people like my dad and I want to make a difference for people the way those oncologists made a difference for me and my family,’” Saucedo said.
Students said the expo opened doors to career possibilities and introduced them to resources they may not have otherwise discovered.
“This event is actually pretty cool,” said Silva student Itzel Ulloa. “I’ve been seeing a lot of organizations I want to join. I do want to work over the summer, and I’m seeing a lot of great hospitals that I’d like to get into.”
Ulloa said she plans to continue her education and hopes to one day serve the Borderland as a pediatrician.
“I do want to become a pediatrician,” she said. “I plan to go on to medical school and hopefully in 10 years I will be building relationships with the community.”
The event also featured keynote speaker Dr. Jorge Torres of TTUHSC El Paso, who encouraged students to continue pursuing careers that will help address the growing need for healthcare professionals across the region.
As workforce shortages continue impacting healthcare systems nationwide, El Paso ISD leaders say programs like the Healthcare and Career Expo help students transition directly from the classroom into college programs, certifications, and careers that strengthen the local community.
For many students, Wednesday’s event was more than a career fair, it was confirmation that their futures are already taking shape.