What started as the brain-child of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico (ESTM High School) in 2005, has today evolved into a living reality – the establishment of a full-fledged modern tertiary level institution known nationwide as Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College. In support of Ms. Lucas’ vision, the Government of Mexico provided a grant to the ESTM High School for the expansion of the school’s infrastructure and the establishment of a technical junior college. Fifteen years later, this technical junior college is now known as CEMJC. For most, it is a bit difficult to imagine that fifteen years ago there was nothing more than a large expanse of greenery next to the ESTM high school. Fast forward to today, and now a huge state of the art auditorium, cafeteria, and modern concrete buildings along with a highly productive agricultural sector complete with its own greenhouse are only some of the notable fixtures occupying about 20 acres of land known as CEMJC.
CEMJC, however, was not always as it appears today. All the progress evident today is a gradual product of hard work, determination, and perseverance from a small team put together at the onset to build CEMJC into the reputable institution it is today. This small team consisted of only six full time teachers and a secretary. During the infant stages of CEMJC, the current Dean, Mr. Hugo Gonzales formed part of this original team serving in the capacity of an English teacher. He was accompanied by the then secretary, Ms. Vielca Myers; Mr. Anthony Diego, Math teacher; Mr. Luciano Chi, Agriculture teacher; Mr. Tuz , Information Technology teacher and Mr. Divan Catzim, Environmental Science teacher.
On September 6th of 2007, after Hurricane Dean delayed the official opening date of August 20th 2007, this team began working towards leading CEMJC into the future. “Back then,'' says Mr. Gonzales, “my goal was for CEMJC to have stability. I had always envisioned CEMJC as the most recognized and outstanding tertiary level institution in the North.” Today, these goals and expectations appear to have been met and exceeded as CEMJC’s student population has grown to well over 400 students compared to only about 50 in the inaugural year of 2007. In terms of stability, CEMJC appears to have established itself as a well-respected tertiary level institution having graduated over 1,000 students from different programs since opening its doors. Not only is CEMJC well known and respected academically, but it is also a fixture in the north as a perennial powerhouse in the ATLIB athletic sports competitions managing to field championship caliber teams in different sports year after year. Despite having achieved so much in so little time, CEMJC continues to grow. Today, the institution has almost tripled its staff to cope with the ever-increasing student population. Originally in 2007, CEMJC provided studies in only three programs – Environmental Science, Agriculture and Information Technology. Since then, new programs have been added such as: Tourism Management; Architecture; Business Entrepreneurship; and Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology; Biology/Natural Resource Management. According to the Dean, these programs are designed to provide students with a vocation allowing them to become future leaders. In fact, says Mr. Gonzales, one of the main goals of CEMJC from the onset has always been to “provide career and technical programs utilizing some of the latest technologies and teaching techniques to deliver quality education through the integration of classroom instruction and hands-on field experience.”However, growth and development does not end there for CEMJC. According to Mr. Gonzalez, CEMJC is looking at the prospects of opening a night division and expansion of the institution by adding new programs such as Civil Engineering and Gastronomy.
Development, however, does not come easily. CEMJC will need to keep relying on its culture of hard work and optimism as it embarks on new journeys and quests of improving itself and providing quality vocational education. “Our biggest challenges as we move forward,” says Mr. Gonzales, “are space and technology. We want to keep building. We are trendsetters.” Challenges and hurdles undoubtedly await CEMJC as the young institution puts behind what it has accomplished and moves forward fearlessly. “I like the dreams of the future for CEMJC,” says Mr. Gonzales. “We are embracing our success as we continue to move forward so that this institution can stand stronger than ever. Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.”
The Board of Directors, faculty, administrative and support staff and students of Centro Escolar México Junior College (CEMJC Family), in implementing the Vision and Mission of this institution, subscribe to the following values.