Personal Stories

The best ambassadors for the power of Career and Technical Education, Dual Credit, and the amazing employment opportunities available right here in Doña Ana County are those who’ve lived them.

Thanks to a partnership with public broadcasting KRWG, we were able to showcase some of those stories on a four-show series on Fronteras: Building a 21st Century Workforce. Host Fred Martino and the talented KRWG staff, filmed four personal stories followed by four panels of experts talking about careers in key industries here, and the education that gets you there.

You can find all four stories at the links below:

STEM Skills are Critical to National Defense showcases the importance of STEM skills in a number of well-paying careers at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). Growing up in Las Cruces, Henry Sedillo didn’t know what went on at that military base on the other side of the Organ Mountains. Building on the foundation of an internship and a two-year degree from Dona Ana Community College, he grew in his education and career opportunities at WSMR and is now a key leader of the range’s testing efforts.

There’s More to Healthcare Than Doctors and Nurses illustrates the breadth of meaningful and well-paying healthcare careers, which pay an average of $64,000 annually. The piece highlights Molly McClure, DACC graduate who moved into a second career in healthcare.

The Sky’s the Limit in Aerospace highlights the unbelievable opportunities available right here in the aerospace industry through NASA, Spaceport America, and a host of civilian contractors. The story features Mayfield High School graduate Abbey Seward, who took a welding Career and Technical Education (CTE) course her senior year, then pursued a two-year welding degree at DACC.

Career and Technical Education is the Path Forward shows why ALL high school students can benefit from CTE courses on their way to college and/or career. Evelyn Sandoval, Chaparral High School graduate and current NMSU student, is now a key leader on KRWG’s student-run News 22, Aggie Vision, and Noticias 22 productions after building a strong foundation of skills in the Audio/Visual CTE pathway in high school.

It’s time we make sure our young people and our families know there are great opportunities right here in our community and show them the resources and paths that can give them the skills they need to get there.