Today we’d like to introduce you to Sergio Gianni Tapia.
Hi Sergio , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our story began in the classroom, where Jubilee Academies seniors Emily Balderas and Diamond Cantu completed their Career and Technical Education Graphic Design Practicum courses. Both students wanted to take what they had learned beyond classroom assignments, so they applied and interviewed for paid summer internships with Jubilee Academies’ Marketing Department.
Emily, a senior at Jubilee San Antonio, and Diamond, a senior at Jubilee Lake View University Prep, spent the summer working alongside district marketing professionals and gaining hands-on experience in graphic design, photography, videography and social media. They worked with real deadlines, received professional feedback and helped create materials now being used throughout the district, including student and parent handbook covers, social media graphics and other promotional pieces.
Each student also brought her own talents and accomplishments to the experience. Emily designed Jubilee Academies’ 25th Anniversary logo and participated in an interview explaining her creative process and the inspiration behind the design. Diamond represented Jubilee Academies at the NCCEP GEAR UP Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where she was one of only 150 GEAR UP students selected nationwide.
What began as CTE coursework became an opportunity for two young women to build professional portfolios, strengthen their confidence and see their work make a real impact. Their journey reflects what Jubilee Academies strives to provide: meaningful opportunities that connect classroom learning with college, career and life beyond graduation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey was rewarding, but it was also a meaningful learning experience. One of the biggest challenges was adjusting from classroom projects to professional work that would represent an entire school district. Emily and Diamond had to work within established brand standards, manage real deadlines, respond to feedback and make creative decisions knowing that students, families and staff would ultimately see and use what they produced.
Like many students entering a professional environment for the first time, they also had to become comfortable asking questions, sharing their ideas and revising their work. The goal was not simply to complete an assignment, but to understand the audience, solve a communication need and deliver a finished product.
Working through those challenges helped both students grow in confidence, adaptability and professionalism. By the end of the internship, they had not only strengthened their technical abilities but also gained a better understanding of collaboration, accountability and what it means to contribute as part of a professional team.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jubilee Academies?
Jubilee Academies is a Texas public charter school system committed to helping students build strong academic foundations while developing the leadership skills and real-world experience they need for life beyond graduation.
One way we bring that mission to life is through Career and Technical Education opportunities that connect classroom learning with meaningful professional experience. During our summer internship program, two Jubilee seniors who had completed CTE Graphic Design Practicum courses joined our Marketing Department through a competitive application and interview process. They gained hands-on experience in graphic design, photography, videography and social media while creating materials used across the district, including handbook covers and social media graphics.
What sets Jubilee apart is our belief that students should not have to wait until after graduation to discover their abilities or make meaningful contributions. We give students opportunities to apply what they have learned, work alongside professionals and see their ideas become part of the organization.
We are especially proud of what our students achieved. Emily Balderas designed Jubilee Academies’ 25th Anniversary logo, creating a lasting piece of the district’s identity. Diamond Cantu represented Jubilee Academies at the NCCEP GEAR UP Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where she was one of only 150 GEAR UP students selected nationwide.
Their experiences demonstrate what can happen when education, creativity and career preparation come together. We want readers to know that Jubilee Academies is building strong leaders by giving students the skills, confidence and opportunities to contribute today while preparing for their futures.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What we love most about San Antonio is its strong sense of community. It is a city rich in culture, history and tradition, where relationships matter and people genuinely want to see one another succeed. Our families bring diverse experiences and perspectives to our schools, and that spirit of connection helps make San Antonio a special place to learn, work and grow.
What we like least is that opportunities are not always equally accessible across every part of our city. Too many young people face barriers to educational resources, professional networks and meaningful career experiences. That challenge motivates our work at Jubilee Academies. We want to help close those gaps by giving students practical skills, exposure to different career paths and opportunities to recognize their own potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jubileeacademies.org
- Instagram: @jubileeacademies
- Facebook: @jubileeacademies
