Workforce Solutions Borderplex - Mariel Soto, Research Specialist II

Every year, Workforce Solutions Borderplex publishes a list of target occupations for the Borderplex region, where we confidently invest in training and skills development to progress our economy. These are what we call Hot Jobs, all of which fit specific criteria before making the final jump into our workforce development strategy. Learn what criteria a job must meet to be "Hot" and also find out what jobs are "Cooling" down. 

City of El Paso - Araceli Guerra, Managing Director, City of El Paso / UTEP - Dr. Clifton Tanabe, Dean, College of Education University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso Computes is a newly funded program supported by ARPA, in collaboration with the City of El Paso and the University of Texas at El Paso. This initiative aims to create pathways and train K-12 teachers in computational thinking, data literacy, and other essential computing skills. 

El Paso ISD, CTE Department / Denise Galvez, Career & Technical Education Facilitator

In this session, attendees will learn how to connect, transcend, and explore the world in CTE courses. Work-Based Learning is a teaching strategy that provides a unique experience for learners. Are you ready to transform your classroom? Work-based learning will bring your classroom to life! 

Workforce Solutions Borderplex - Chelsey Triplett, Youth Services Manager / Janell Valles, NextForce Manager

This presentation will delve into the pivotal role of soft skills in education and provide practical strategies for teachers to seamlessly integrate them into their daily routines. Soft skills, encompassing communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability, are indispensable for student success in both academic and professional spheres. 

EVERFI from Blackbaud / Monica Wyatt, Education Success Specialist

EVERFI offers a variety of K-12 digital resources around career exploration, financial literacy, health & wellness, STEM, and more. We have more than 40+ digital lessons that you can use in your class. Through a gamified, student-directed approach, teachers will be equipped with digital resources, offline lessons, and general strategies. Learn how to bring these concepts alive for your students with the no-cost, standards-aligned digital resources we provide to teachers.

Clint ISD - Veronica Booth, CTE District Coordinator / El Paso ISD - Fernando Marquez, CTE Director / Socorro ISD - Dr. George Thomas, CTE Director / Ysleta ISD - Hugo Martinez, CTE Director

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion on the impactful efforts of the Tri-Agency Regional Convener Grant, led by representatives from the local school districts’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) departments. Tasked with advancing work-based learning in Information Technology, Healthcare, and Education, we'll unveil insights garnered from ongoing projects and our participation in a recent conference in Austin. 

Collaborating closely with the local workforce board and Institutions of Higher Education, we're on a mission to revolutionize the landscape of work-based learning in our community. In this session, we'll delve into our current grant phase, which focuses on crafting a comprehensive plan to elevate work-based learning opportunities across these vital sectors. Additionally, we'll shed light on the unique challenges faced by local K12 schools and offer actionable strategies for stakeholders to engage and support our endeavors actively. Learn how you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of workforce development through meaningful work-based learning experiences. The panel will be open to questions from the audience.