UT University Charter School (UTUCS) is proud to welcome Carlos Guerra as our new College & Career Education Transition Coordinator, a role dedicated to guiding students toward meaningful and achievable post‑secondary pathways. With over a decade of experience in education—including eight impactful years teaching at our Pathfinders and Kozmetzky campuses—Carlos brings deep understanding, compassion, and expertise to this statewide position.
A Career Built on Supporting Student Futures
After nearly a decade with UTUCS, Carlos expanded his expertise at KIPP, where he served as the 12th Grade Case Manager. There, he gained a comprehensive understanding of post‑secondary options available to students, from two- and four‑year colleges to workforce training and military pathways. His work frequently involved coordination with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), helping students access industry certifications and workforce development programs.
This experience now enriches the support he provides across UT University Charter School’s diverse learning environments.
Meeting Students Where They Are
In his new role, Carlos meets one‑on‑one with every senior, whether they attend classes at one of our in‑person campuses or participate through our online program. These individualized sessions are tailored to each student’s needs and goals and typically include:
- Help build and verify student graduation plans
- Reviewing graduation requirements
- Completing the FAFSA
- Connecting students to needed training or resources
- Exploring post‑secondary options
A key tool in this process is Career Cruising, a program available to all UT Charter high school students—not just seniors. This platform helps students explore:
- College majors and degree pathways
- Industry certifications through TWC and community colleges
- Career opportunities in the U.S. Military
- Occupational profiles and labor‑market data
Community Colleges and Hands-On Exploration
UTUCS partners closely with Alamo, Austin and McLennan Community Colleges to open doors for students. These partners offer:
- Campus tours
- On‑site informational visits
- Application and enrollment support
- Demonstrations of technical or workforce training programs
These collaborations help students discover opportunities they may not have realized were available.
Statewide Campuses, Statewide Pathways
Because UTUCS serves students across Texas, Carlos’ work spans regions and industries. Many of our campuses already foster unique partnerships and programs that connect school learning with hands‑on career exploration:
Pathfinders Ranch (Dripping Springs)
Their impressive goat‑raising and agriculture program introduces students to agricultural sciences and careers across Texas’ expansive ag industry.
Methodist Children’s Home (Waco)
Through a partnership with the Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy, students can explore manufacturing careers and earn industry-recognized certifications.
BasePoint (DFW region)
Campuses regularly bring in speakers from local trade schools and community colleges to inspire students and broaden their understanding of career options.
Guided by Trauma‑Informed and SEL Principles
Supporting post‑secondary planning at UTUCS means more than simply preparing paperwork. Because many of our students are highly transitory or have faced significant personal challenges, Carlos approaches each interaction through the lens of trauma‑informed education and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
At UTUCS’s recent Teach and Share event, Carlos and School Social Work Coordinator Andrea Menchaca, LMSW, presented “Connecting the Dots: Using School‑Connect and Career Cruising for Student Transitions.” Their session emphasized the importance of understanding the emotional experience behind future planning.
“The future can be triggering to our students. We always try to incorporate how the student is feeling on that day, mindful of how they feel about graduation and the changes that come with that,” Carlos explains.
A Compassionate Guide for the Road Ahead
Whether he’s reviewing a FAFSA, looking up certification programs, exploring military careers, or simply asking a student how they’re feeling, Carlos Guerra embodies UT University Charter School’s mission to support the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially.
His dedication ensures that every student, no matter where they are in Texas or where they’ve come from, receives thoughtful, informed, and compassionate guidance as they take their next steps beyond high school.