Partnership brings together industry leaders and Pueblo youth for a unique experience.

January 23, 2022, Pueblo, CO – For the second straight year, MxV Rail and Dutch Clark Digital at Paragon have partnered together to create a unique career exploration program for students enrolled at the blended learning facility.

With the program launching in January, guest speakers from MxV Rail and other local employers will, over the next three months, provide a one-hour overview of themselves, their career path, and the job opportunities in Pueblo and beyond.

These speakers represent a host of fields, including construction management, accounting, locomotive engineering, human resources, operations, and emergency response.

To kick off the series, MxV Rail President and CEO Kari Gonzales, a Pueblo native and South High School graduate, spoke to the students about her upbringing and journey to the position of CEO of a company known worldwide.

“MxV Rail has been a part of the Pueblo community for over 40 years and it’s important to me and our employees to help give back to the youth of Pueblo,” said Gonzales. “We’ve been working with Principal Mestas this past year and wanted to give the students an idea of career options in Pueblo and the rail industry. I’m proud to be from Pueblo and want more students to consider Pueblo as a viable option to live, work, and enjoy their time after high school.”

The series will culminate with an in-person field trip to the new MxV Rail headquarters at 350 Keeler Parkway and the newly constructed testing and operations facilities located at PuebloPlex at the Pueblo Chemical Depot.

“The Pueblo Works program is an amazing opportunity for students to hear directly from professionals about the career opportunities right here in the Pueblo community,” said Dutch Clark Digital Principal Rich Mestas.  “I have talked to several students participating, and they have shared with me that the speakers have been inspirational, and some are even researching how to begin the journey toward these careers.”

About MxV Rail: MxV Rail (formerly TTCI) is a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads established to provide vital support to the nation’s rail industry as its most trusted research and engineering partner. Through focused funding and strategic planning, MxV Rail is making key investments in its people and facilities to undertake new technological challenges in the rail industry and beyond. Building on its legacy of excellence, the team offers a full suite of advisory and research services including consulting, testing, research, maintaining standards and training. Learn more at www.mxvrail.com.

About Dutch Clark Digital at Paragon: Dutch Clark Digital Online provides students in grades 9-12 with multiple options as they work toward their high school diploma. Dutch Clark Digital Online provides students with a customized, personalized education that can meet students’ individual educational needs and wants. Students have the option to pursue a diploma fully online, or in a blended format at Dutch Clark Digital online’s physical campus, at the Paragon Learning Center in Pueblo.  Learn more at www.pueblod60.org/dutchclark

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Contact: Niki Toussaint, AVP Marketing, niki_toussaint@aar.com, 719-671-8676