College : UC San Diego Career goal : Mechanical engineer

About Bryan : Bryan Flores credits his father with showing him how to problem-solve , whether it was a plumbing , electrical or construction issue . Money was tight , so his dad – an immigrant from El Salvador – was an expert at repurposing and DIY . At Duncan Polytechnical High School , Bryan built on those skills in the welding pathway . He loved welding and thought he would join the workforce after high school as a trades worker . But his parents urged him to expand his options and go to college . Combining his affinity for math and creating things , Bryan will pursue a career in mechanical engineering in the manufacturing industry , with a focus on designing more efficient , affordable and environmentally friendly products . He believes his hands-on knowledge of welding will give him an edge when he ’ s ready to apply for jobs .

Bryan won ’ t have to worry about college expenses as he heads to UC San Diego . He was awarded a highly selective Gates Scholarship ( 750 awarded nationwide ) that will pick up all expenses not covered by other scholarships and financial aid . It also provides support like the Gates Scholarship Summer Institute .

In Bryan ’ s words : “ I found that I loved welding , being able to create something from the design process on . I looked forward to the welding lab [ at Duncan ] every day .”

From Thomas Yang , counselor at Duncan Polytechnical High School : “ Bryan is a tenacious and dedicated student who has fully immersed himself in everything Duncan has to offer . Not only has he excelled academically , he has learned many transferrable skills in our welding fabrication program . He displays all the qualities of a leader and a promising , conscientious engineer .”

College : Fresno State Career goal : Mechanical engineer

About Lizbet : Lizbet Robledo says that attending Duncan Polytechnical High School motivated her to pursue mechanical engineering . Through Duncan ’ s manufacturing pathway , she immersed herself in computer-aided design , programming , electrical and operating machines like the CNC router , a machine designed to carve out complex shapes . One of Lizbet ’ s favorite memories at Duncan was being able to go to an actual jobsite as part of a class .

During her time at Duncan , she received Awards of Excellence for video production , AP Calculus AB and AP Spanish Literature and Culture . She was also awarded the Mathias " Matty " Matoian Award from Fresno State , given to business and nursing students .

Lizbet ’ s family ( mom , dad and three brothers ) have always been her cheerleaders . She credits her mom as her biggest supporter , always pushing her to do better and to always be grateful for the opportunity to get an education . This fall , Lizbet heads to Fresno State to study engineering . In 10 years , she sees herself with a completed college education and working in the manufacturing industry , in the Central Valley .

In Lizbet ’ s words : “ Be who you needed when you were younger .”

From Douglas Urabe , manufacturing CTE teacher : “ Lizbet was one of four students selected for the manufacturing jobsites . She was selected because Lizbet is one of my top performing students , has excellent collaboration skills and I knew she would represent Duncan well . Lizbet is never idle and always has a purpose . When she has free time in my class , she will get out a book to be productive . Lizbet will make a superb mechanical engineer .”