IMPERIAL – Imperial Valley College held on Thursday a Career Education Expo, providing students with opportunities to explore educational and career pathways, as well as various services available to them. The event brought together local businesses, community outreach programs, and educational institutions to engage with both college students and high schoolers from across Imperial County, who were bussed in for the event.

The expo featured organizations offering support services and career guidance.

David Briseño from the District Attorney’s Office explained their participation.

”We’re just out here talking to the students about the victim witness program with the District Attorney’s Office.” He elaborated on the office’s role, stating, ”We work directly with the victim and witnesses of crime, and we help them with finding resources, whatever the victim needs,” he said. The program also assists victims as they navigate the court system.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Imperial County was present to raise awareness about their work with children in foster care. Bryan Alexander described their mission: ”We’re court-appointed special advocates. We look after kids in foster care and advocate for kids in foster care.”

He explained the responsibilities of CASA volunteers, stating, ”Typically, everybody is appointed a case in the court, and it’s your job to advocate for that individual. That’s just finding different resources in the community and what they like to do.” This includes helping foster children access recreational activities and safe spaces.

The Fire Academy at Imperial Valley College showcased its rigorous training program for aspiring firefighters and EMTs.

Daniel Gonzalez provided an overview, telling Imperial Valley Press, “The Fire Academy is a program that consists of two portions. The first portion would be EMT, and then the second portion would be fire training.”

He detailed the hands-on aspects of the program, explaining, ”We do drills on live fire, controlled. We learn how to rescue people, how to breach walls to rescue people, and how to rescue our firefighters.”

Gonzalez encouraged students to consider the program, emphasizing its rewards and challenges. ”I encourage people to join. It’s very rewarding.” He added, ”We’ve had a lot of people interested in the program. They like the fire aspect of it. I told them, it’s not all fire–there’s the medical side to it, which is what some people don’t realize. Most firefighters go on more medical calls than actual fires. It’s really important to be proficient in the EMT aspect.”

Local businesses also participated, highlighting career paths beyond traditional roles.

Bianca Landeros, BDC manager at Imperial Valley Honda, discussed recruitment efforts for technicians at local dealerships.

”We’re out here trying to recruit the next technicians for our dealerships,” she said.

She noted growing interest in business development roles, pointing out, ”I have had a couple of girls asking about business development. There’s more growth in the dealership other than just vehicles.”

”Everyone’s concept of car dealerships focuses on sales. However, there are many roles available. We do have different positions in accounting, we have a lot of business development positions available,” she said, explaining the breadth of opportunities available.

For students seeking alternative education options, Sia Tech Charter High School offered information on completing high school diplomas for individuals aged 16-24.

Ilse, an exhibitor from the school, shared details about the program, stating, “It’s completely free… 150 credit diplomas. So after they complete their credits, they will get their diploma. We offer field trips. We have a graduation.”

She highlighted the school’s hybrid model, which blends online learning with in-person support.

”It’s a really good opportunity for students that maybe they’re not doing so well in regular schools, or they drop out, or they have issues with bullying.”

For higher education, Columbia College advisor Guillermo Salgado spoke about the ease of transitioning from IVC to Columbia College.

”We’re here locally inside the counseling center,” he said. ”Seamless transition. They get their degree online or take a class here and there on campus.”

Salgado, who grew up in the Imperial Valley and teaches business courses at IVC, encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities early.

”I encourage everyone to apply, at no cost. Even if they are a year away from their Associate’s. Why? Because they can start before they finish.” He emphasized that students can enroll at Columbia even if they still have a class remaining at IVC.

A highlight of the expo was a police canine demonstration featuring K9 Officer Maverick, a three-year-old Belgian Malinois trained in narcotics detection and suspect apprehension.

El Centro Police Officer Garcia, who has worked with Maverick since the dog was a year and a half old, introduced him to students before the demonstration.

”Not only does he specialize in apprehension, he also specializes in narcotics, so we use him to find drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine,” Garcia explained.

The demonstration simulated an arrest scenario, with a fellow officer in protective gear acting as a non-cooperative suspect. On command, Maverick sprang into action, swiftly taking down the decoy, showcasing the precision and training of police canines.

The Career Education Expo at Imperial Valley College provided students with valuable insights into career opportunities, education pathways, and essential community resources. With participation from law enforcement, businesses, colleges, and public service organizations, the event served as a comprehensive guide for students exploring their futures.