Setting Expectations for Success
Juan Perez-Vega, originally from California, has lived in Utah with his family for most of his life.
The 2021 graduate of West High School heard about PACE during his freshman year of high school. “I thought PACE was a really good opportunity – college is expensive, and the program requirements also matched my expectations for myself, so I thought it would be a good fit for me,” said Perez-Vega.
Perez-Vega is now studying engineering at SLCC while working for Stadler U.S. in their Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection (TRAC). He was one of the few to be accepted into this elite program that allows students to apprentice with the Swiss-based rail giant while attending SLCC. Perez-Vega plans to finish his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at a local university.
“Both of my older sisters went to college but my parents didn’t have the opportunity to continue their education after high school,” he said. “My oldest sister is my role model. She has had to overcome so much in her life, and I always thought if she can make it, so can I.” Perez-Vega credits PACE with helping bridge the gap to his future and education, especially being a high school senior studying from home during COVID-19.
“PACE and my advisors made a big difference in helping me graduate and stay on track,” he said. “My advisor would always check on me and let me know about courses I could take or tutoring to help me with classes I was struggling to complete.”
He is excited to experience college, continue his apprenticeship and build a future for himself as an engineer.