EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A high-school teacher in Clint was surprised on Monday, Oct. 13, with a $50,000 check recognizing excellence in skilled trades education, according to Harbor Freight Tools for Schools in a news release.
Joshua Marmolejo, who teaches automotive technology in the P-TECH program at Clint High School, is one of the 25 winners of the 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.
Marmolejo and his school were presented with a $50,000 check on Monday morning during a surprise ceremony held on campus. Of the total check, the news release stated that Clint High School’s skilled trades program received $35,000, and Marmolejo received $15,000.
Before entering the classroom, Marmolejo worked in the automotive industry for eight years, gaining valuable hands-on experience. He is also a mechanical engineer.
As the first P-TECH instructor in his educational region, he has helped build a program where students can earn both a high-school diploma and an associate’s degree or industry-recognized certifications, according to the news release.
He also connects students with internships and college credit opportunities through the P-TECH program, ensuring that his students are prepared for the high-growth job sectors that are shaping the future of work.
Marmolejo said he had been applying for this prize for around seven years, making it through the second round a few times, but nothing further than that.
“You apply, and they look at everything you’ve done over time — the programs that you build for kids, and what is the impact that you’re really having on students. And that’s kind of how they go through the selection process. So, I’m thinking that’s how it probably took place. It was a surprise,” Marmolejo said.
Marmolejo said he feels very proud to be able to receive this prize, hoping to use the money to better his program.
“I have students that have gone and done things that I never did, and it’s been really a blessing to be able to be a mentor to a lot of kids,” Marmolejo said.
This year, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is awarding $1.5 million in prizes to 25 skilled trades teachers nationwide. There were over 1,000 applications for the prize. The application process included three rounds of judging, each by an independent panel of experts from education, industry, nonprofits, and philanthropy, according to the news release.
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is a program of The Smidt Foundation to advance excellent, skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools.
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