(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – May 1, 2026) — El Paso ISD took a major step in bridging the gap between the classroom and the workforce as hundreds of high school juniors and seniors engaged in high-tech, hands-on training during the 2nd Annual Law and Public Service Career Expo. Held at the El Paso County Coliseum on Tuesday, April 28, the event transformed the arena into a premier training ground for the city’s next generation of fire science, health science, JROTC, and law enforcement professionals.
The Expo, a collaboration between El Paso ISD Career & Technical Education (CTE), Junior Achievement, and Workforce Solutions Borderplex, provided over 1,300 students with an unprecedented level of access to the tools and personnel that define public service in the region.
SEE MORE PHOTOS: El Paso ISD Law & Public Service Career Expo
“This Expo allows me to weigh my career options,” said Daniel Diaz, a Junior at Andress High School. “There are so many organizations out here and I get to see what I like and what I want to do career wise. There are a lot of options out there for us students and if some students didn’t show up today, then they wouldn’t even know what’s out there.”
The Expo moved beyond traditional career fairs by offering interactive, live demonstrations. Students had hands-on exposure to industry equipment and specialized vehicles used by regional partners, allowing them to see the reality of their chosen career paths.
Fernando Marquez, Director of Career & Technical Education, emphasized the importance of these real-world connections.
“This Expo is about making those vital links between high school and a high-wage career,” Marquez said. “We want our students to have a conversation with a recruiter today that leads to a career tomorrow. By bringing together regional partners and higher education institutions, we are ensuring our graduates are not only industry-ready but industry-connected.”
In addition to technical skills, the event featured financial literacy sessions and mock interviews, giving students the skills necessary to navigate the professional landscape.
For the seniors in attendance, the Expo served as a launchpad for their post-graduation plans.
“It’s a great event for students who don’t know which career path to take after high school,” said Briana Soto, a senior at Bowie High School. “I got a lot of information today about different careers. It will really help me decide which courses to take in college.”
Liam, a student at Andress High School, agreed that the variety of options was eye-opening. “There are many careers and different options for students to follow, so I think it’s really great for people who are still uncertain about what path to take,” he said. “This Expo prepares us by showing us different offers and what we need to find out about different careers.”
Demonstrating the district’s commitment to the entire El Paso community, the event was open to students from neighboring districts as well. A student from Bel Air High School in Ysleta ISD noted how the event helped clarify their path to military service.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to get know what they want to do later in life and learn how they can get there,” the student said. “I want to go into the military, and there are people here in law enforcement helping me and explaining what I need to do to reach my goals.”
The success of this large-scale event was made possible through the support of community partners who share El Paso ISD’s vision for student success.
“We are incredibly grateful to Junior Achievement and Workforce Solutions Borderplex for their sponsorship,” Marquez added. “Their commitment, along with the participation of our regional public service and healthcare partners, ensures that El Paso ISD remains at the forefront of career and technical education.”
To learn more about CTE programs, click here.