Miguel A. Ortega is the Program Manager for the Career Exploration Program (CEP) and currently  serves the counties of San Diego, Riverside, Imperial and Yuma, Arizona. Ortega is a 12-year Army Veteran and holds a Master’s Degree in Education. 

While enlisted in the Army, Ortega served as a computer systems analyst for 6 years, an Electronic  Warfare Operator for 3 years, and performed operations in South Korea and Afghanistan. His last assignment in the Army was as a recruiter which sparked his passion for education. He saw first hand the need for effective college and career readiness tools that  could help guide and prepare students for the workforce.

 Ortega’s passion for helping students is derived from his own testimony as a first-generation  U.S. citizen and college graduate. He is always willing to share his testimony as an encouragement for students to pursue their dreams. His own experience serves as a motivation to diligently seek and communicate the value of the CEP and the impact it has  on college readiness. 

In his spare time, Mr. Ortega serves as a Vocal Director for his local Church, as an assistant director/ lead choreographer for three major musical theater productions, and an adjunct professor for Chula Vista Christian University.