The real students from “Stand and Deliver,” a film inspired by the true story of Jaime Escalante’s efforts to teach calculus to a group of struggling students, have followed various paths since their high school days.

One of the prominent students portrayed in the film is Angel Guzman. In real life, Angel graduated from Garfield High School and pursued higher education at the University of Southern California (USC), earning a degree in electrical engineering. He later worked for the Department of Defense, showcasing a successful career trajectory influenced by Jaime Escalante’s teaching.

Another student from the film, Ana Delgado, portrayed as a shy student who discovered her passion for mathematics, also achieved significant success. The real Ana Delgado, whose actual name is Leticia Rodriguez, graduated from Garfield High School and attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She earned a degree in mathematics and followed in Escalante’s footsteps by becoming a teacher herself.

Additionally, Jaime Escalante’s impact reached beyond these individual stories. He continued to make significant contributions to education, receiving numerous accolades such as the Presidential Medal for Excellence in Education and the Disney American Teacher Award. Escalante was also inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, underscoring his lasting influence on the field of education.

While the film highlights these success stories, it’s important to acknowledge that not all students achieved the same level of success. Some faced personal challenges that affected their educational and career paths. However, the overarching message of the film about perseverance and the transformative power of education remains potent and inspiring.

Furthermore, Jaime Escalante’s influence extended to his students’ professional lives. Sergio Valdez, a student of Escalante, credited him for his success in becoming a mechanical engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Valdez’s achievements include working on the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover project, highlighting the long-term impact of Escalante’s teaching.

Overall, the legacy of Jaime Escalante and his students from “Stand and Deliver” serves as a powerful testament to the potential of dedicated teaching and the profound effect it can have on students’ lives, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.