Mesquite High School Students Build Real-World Career Skills Through Community Partnerships

Written by Tristan Chavez
Gilbert Public Schools
Nov. 19, 2025

This month, students at Mesquite High school explored opportunities that connected their classroom learning to real-world careers. Through hands-on experience and partnerships with industry professionals, students saw how their skills can translate into real-world success. These events helped highlight the many pathways available as they prepare for life after high school.

Students in a number of Mesquite High’s classes, including Financial Literacy and Government, participated in the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce’s Interview Competition, an event designed to stimulate a professional hiring process.

For many, it was their first experience in a formal interview setting. “I have never interviewed, so this was my first experience,” said Lizzy, a Junior at Mesquite High. “It helped with nerves, and I got good feedback, preparing us to be ready for the real world.”

To make the experience as “real” as possible, the process uses elimination rounds to narrow the field, leading to a top five group that participates in one-to-one interviews. Shortlisted students continue on in the interview process, while other students listen to the candidates’ answers and the feedback provided. The top five students receive prizes, with placements awarded from first to fifth place. The judges also utilize “Advanced passes” to move a promising student forward even after the second round of interviews. The event features a panel of 20 judges, all with professional interview experience, ensuring the rounds feel as authentic as possible.

Nicole Charmoli, Foundation and Community Impact Manager for the Gilbert Chamber, emphasized why programs like this matter, saying that the event “gives students opportunities to practice skills and gain experience in how to interview­­ — and connects business leaders to our upcoming workforce.”

One of the judges Brian Riley, Director of Sales for Best Option Restoration, shared, “Anything we can do to prepare the kids for what’s about to come is important, and we are here to encourage them to connect with the many opportunities available to them in Arizona.”

Another interview competition will be held at Highland High School in March 2026.

Mesquite High students participated in another career-focused event this month — an industry tour with Concord Contracting. Mesquite’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) Agriscience and Cabinetmaking programs visited the company’s corporate office and an active job site to gain a firsthand experience into careers in construction, engineering, project management, administration, accounting, marketing, and safety.

“We need quality workers who want to be in the construction industry,” said Jen Rehse, Concord’s K12 Client Relationship Manager. “Experiences like this give students a lightbulb moment about where they might fit. When students leave with confidence and purpose, it strengthens the future workforce.”

A senior at Mesquite High talked about his experience, saying, “You notice the things you can’t capture on paper, and it makes the whole experience more real.”

Through these partnerships, Mesquite High School continues to strengthen pathways that prepare students for college, careers, and life — showing them not just what’s possible, but where they belong in Arizona’s growing workforce.