On a normal school day, learning at Wylie ISD happens in classrooms, labs, and workshops. But recently, something different pulled onto campus.
All the way from United States Army headquarters at Fort Knox, the Army’s mobile STEM Truck arrived, bringing hands-on learning and a glimpse into what tomorrow’s careers can look like.
Inside the truck, students stepped into interactive simulations that blended science, technology, engineering, and problem-solving. These were not abstract lessons. They were real-world challenges tied to robotics, welding, rescue operations, and advanced technology that students could see, touch, and experience.
At the center of the experience was the Army’s SARAH robotics program, which introduces students to how emerging technology is already being developed for the future.
For Wylie ISD senior Zeth Dora, the experience left an impression.
“I thought it was super cool,” Zeth said. “We learned about the SARAH bot and what it’s going to be capable of in the future. It can detect toxins, get over obstacles, and even help with search and rescue. It was really interesting to see how far the technology is going.”
Zeth already has an interest in robotics and engineering, and the visit helped connect what he is learning in Wylie ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs to real-world applications.
“I really like the robotics side of things,” he said. “Not necessarily this exact area, but building things like drones and modular systems. I want to stay on a track like this and keep learning how to build and create.”
That connection is exactly why the visit mattered.
Showing the Many Paths Forward
Sergeant First Class Cantu, Station Commander of the local Army Recruiting Office and a Wylie ISD parent, explained that the purpose of bringing the STEM Truck to campus goes beyond recruitment.
“A lot of students think the Army is just one thing,” Cantu said. “But there are so many careers that are focused on technology, engineering, cyber, and problem-solving. A lot of those line up really well with what students are already learning in CTE.”
Today’s Army career paths often mirror the same fields highlighted in Wylie ISD’s growing CTE offerings. Engineering, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, robotics, and logistics are all areas where students can build skills that translate well beyond the classroom.
“We try to approach it more like guidance,” Cantu said. “We talk with students about their goals and how they want to get there. The goal is helping students understand their options.”
As a parent with children currently enrolled in Wylie ISD, Cantu sees the value of giving students exposure early.
A Natural Extension of What Wylie Already Does Well
The Army STEM Truck visit fit naturally into the work already happening across Wylie ISD.
Through Career and Technical Education, students are gaining hands-on experience in robotics, engineering, welding, computer science, and emerging technologies. These programs are designed to help students explore interests, build confidence, and see how learning connects to life beyond high school.
Welcoming partners who bring real-world tools and experiences directly to students strengthens that connection even more. It turns curiosity into confidence and helps students picture themselves in careers they may not have considered before.
For students like Zeth, the visit helped make those possibilities feel real.
“It just made everything feel more possible,” he said.
Moments like this remind us that CTE is not just about career preparation. It is about helping students see what they are capable of and giving them the confidence to imagine what comes next.
And when opportunity rolls onto campus and students are ready to step inside and explore it, it’s a reminder of why it’s great to be a Wylie Bulldog.
