From robotics and engineering to healthcare, culinary arts, and military readiness. United Independent School District gave students and families a firsthand look at the many possibilities awaiting them during its CTE & GEAR UP Expo held at the UISD Student Activity Complex.

The event drew an enthusiastic turnout of families eager to explore more than 30 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered throughout the district. Interactive exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, and conversations with teachers and students in the programs brought career pathways to life, helping all students imagine their futures while giving parents valuable insight into the opportunities available at UISD.

For Ramirez Middle School seventh grader Gustavo Chapa, who dreams of becoming a robotics engineer, the expo offered a chance to connect his interests with real-world career paths. While exploring the exhibits, he learned about the oil and gas industry and engineering careers, and he was very excited to meet high school students on the Alexander High School Robotics team, which has advanced to world championship competitions.

His mother, Erika Ordonez-Chapa, said attending the event together opened their eyes to a number of different options they had not previously considered.

“I'm enjoying seeing my son asking questions and learning about these opportunities,” Ordonez-Chapa said. “Even if he just wants to do robotics, he can already know which path, which classes, and just get ready.”

She was particularly impressed by the variety of programs, including welding and woodworking, and the connections between different career fields.

“There's things that I didn't even know existed,” she added. “I'm also learning that even within his robotics, he can branch out into other different things. So he's not just stuck in one mode. He can explore different options.”

That same excitement was shared by United South High School freshman Astrid Garza and her mother, Rosa Rodriguez, who attended the expo to learn more about courses that could nurture Astrid's passion for design and prepare her for college.

“I thought a lot about the many possibilities in the future. I'm a very creative person, and I'm always thinking about my future and what I'll be able to achieve,” Garza said. “I have high hopes for my future.”

For Rodriguez, seeing programs such as graphic design firsthand reinforced the importance of helping her daughter plan ahead.

“I like it a lot. I think I got more excited than her,” Rodriguez shared. “It's really awesome because she loves designing, either by hand or digitally. I told her, ‘We have to go to this expo so you can see which classes you can start taking to be ready for college’.”

Some of the interactive booth highlights of the evening included a new law enforcement course, cybersecurity, animation, graphic design, esports, veterinary science, carpentry, welding, and automotive technology.

UISD CTE Coordinator Annette Rodriguez said the exhibits were designed to introduce students of all ages to the district's extensive career pathways and help families make informed decisions about their educational futures.

“We have so much to offer that we really wanted to make sure we showcase every program to all of the students,” Rodriguez said. “It's very important that all grade levels can come in, explore, and see firsthand from our teachers and the students who are in these classes.”

LBJ and United High School students also demonstrated skills they are developing in their classrooms, including culinary presentations featuring delicious lo mein and cookies as they gave visitors a taste of the hands-on learning taking place across the district.

In addition to career exploration, UISD students can earn industry certifications, college credits, and specialized skills to get a valuable head start on their future. Partnerships with Laredo College allow students in fields like HVAC, EMS, logistics, and diesel mechanics to earn credentials while still in high school. Aligned with district endorsement pathways, these programs let students tailor their coursework directly to their long-term goals.

The expo also highlighted the district's GEAR UP initiative, which provides early college and career preparation for middle school students. Liben Fisher, GEAR UP facilitator at Juan Ramirez Middle School, explained that the program helps students navigate academic opportunities like universities, connect with guest speakers, and understand the educational requirements of different careers.

“All they have to do is reach out,” she added. “Gear Up is a free service that is currently serving the 2031 cohort. We provide guidance through high school and into their first year of postsecondary education.”

For families like Gustavo's and Astrid's, the expo sparked conversations about their children's ambitions and the steps they can begin taking today.

“I hope this continues every year for generations to come because I really, really like this,” Ordonez-Chapa said.