Students from El Paso high schools competed in various categories which allowed participants to showcase their professional skills through the SkillsUSA program.
More than 600 students from five school districts competed at EPCC campuses from Feb. 11 to 15. There were 65 open-event regional competitions, which will allow winners to advance to the state level.
Categories included automotive, prepared speech, desktop publishing, cosmetology, advertising design, criminal justice, firefighting, culinary arts and more.
Of the participants, 142 will advance to the state competition in Corpus Christi on April 3-5. "We received incredible support from EPCC for hosting this year's district competition," said Corina Mata, chapter advisor.
SkillsUSA is not only recognized for open event competitions, but they are also being recognized for their academic achievements.
More students participated in this year's competition, said Oscar Melendez, Texas SkillsUSA director, District 1.
"Members of the SkillsUSA go on to pursue a higher education," Melendez added.
In recognition for the club's academic excellence, it has been able to incorporate additional open competitive events.
The law enforcement open event gave students the opportunity to explore the field by monitoring traffic violations, and doing hands-on crime scene investigation.
Through SkillsUSA, students are given scholarship opportunities, one of them being from the Western Technical Institute. It has offered numerous scholarships for students pursuing a career in automotive industry.
