We’re kicking off Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by spotlighting an exceptional program at Desert View High School, the Precision Manufacturing Program. In this episode, we sit down with instructor Cesar Gutierrez and five outstanding students, Johnny Felix, Alex Bustillos, Jorge Quijada, Bernadette Pinedo, and Miana Urquidez, who are redefining what’s possible in high school.

These students are part of Desert View’s first-ever cohort committed to earning an Associate’s degree alongside their high school diploma, graduating this May with both in hand. Throughout the conversation, they share how the Precision Manufacturing program has opened doors through industry-recognized certifications, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes as students reflect on their international service-learning experience in Lima, Peru, where they helped fit amputees with prosthetic legs, an opportunity that blended technical skill, compassion, and global impact.

With the support of Southern Arizona Manufacturing Partners, Desert View’s iSTEM Academy, and Pima Community College, students in the Precision Manufacturing program earn paid internships, college credit, and nationally recognized credentials. As a NIMS Nationally Accredited and Pima JTED program, Desert View’s Precision Manufacturing pathway has been recognized at both the state and national level for excellence, preparing students to enter the workforce immediately or continue their education with a strong foundation for success.

This episode is a powerful reminder of how CTE programs change lives, create opportunity, and prepare students for meaningful careers and futures without limits.