ESC19 Podcast

ESC19 Podcast: Girls Who Code the Future- Women Rising in Robotics (Part 2)

In this special student-led episode, a member of the El Dorado High School Robotics Team takes the host seat to interview her fellow female teammates about their journey into robotics—how they joined, what they’ve learned, and the confidence they’ve gained along the way.   From learning to code and assemble complex machines to competing as a team, these students share how robotics opened doors they never expected. Their conversation highlights an important reality in STEM: women remain underrepresented in many technology fields. According to workforce studies, women make up only about 25–30% of the STEM workforce, with even fewer in robotics and engineering specialties. Yet teams like theirs are helping change that story. What makes this discussion especially powerful is how approachable the students make robotics sound. They explain that you don’t have to be a coding expert or a straight-A math student to get started—just curious, willing to learn, and ready to collaborate.   This inspiring conversation shows how robotics programs empower students of all genders and academic backgrounds to explore engineering, problem-solving, and innovation—while discovering talents they didn’t know they had. #WeR19

ESC19 Podcast: Code, Gears, and the Future- Inside El Dorado’s Robotics Revolution (Part 1)

Join us for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, collaboration, and the future of technology—straight from the students building it. #WeR19 In this episode, Frank Nolasco, Professional Education Consultant at ESC19, sits down with members of the El Dorado High School Robotics Team to explore the exciting world of robotics, where gears, coding, engineering, and creativity come together in high-stakes competition. Guided by their coach, Roberto Reyes—the El Dorado High School Teacher of the Year—these talented students share what it takes to design, build, and program robots capable of solving real-world challenges. They discuss the teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation that power their success in robotics competitions.   Robotics is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting pathways in career and technical education, opening doors to high-demand careers in engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. This team also highlights the growing presence of female students in robotics, proving that innovation thrives when diverse voices and perspectives come together.

ESC19 Podcast: Mentoring Matters: The Power of Guiding Students in Workforce Development

We are spotlighting a leader who has truly helped shape Career and Technical Education in our region. Joining us is Ms. Brenda Gonzalez, CTE Coordinator for Socorro ISD. With an extensive career dedicated to advancing CTE, Ms. Gonzalez bxrings not only years of educational expertise but also invaluable experience from the private sector. Her unique perspective bridges industry and education, enriching opportunities for both students and educators. We’re excited to hear her insights, her journey, and her vision for the future of CTE. Join us!

ESC19 Podcast: EPCC Workforce: Building Career Pathways with Dr. Olga Valerio & Jose CassoLopez

In this episode of Education Matters, join us as we talk to Dr. Olga Valerio and Jose CassoLopez as they unpack EPCC’s approach to workforce and continuing education — from program design to employer collaboration — and how those efforts are opening doors for students and local industry. Stories, lessons learned, and concrete ideas for building equitable career pathways.

CTE Insights: Powering the Borderplex Future with Dr. Thomas

In this episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. George Thomas, a leader in Career and Technical Education (CTE), as he shares insights on the purpose, impact, and future of CTE in today’s education landscape.In addition to discussing systems and strategy, Dr. Thomas reflects on how early exposure to career‑focused learning influenced his own perspective as an educator and leader. Drawing from his experiences as a young adult, he speaks to the power of relevant, hands‑on learning and the role CTE can play in helping students discover direction, confidence, and opportunity.This episode is ideal for educators, administrators, counselors, industry partners, and anyone invested in expanding equitable access to meaningful career pathways.