Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Over 150 Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) seniors were named Prospective Graduates for an Associate Degree and/or College Certificate from South Texas College (STC) during their Fall Commencement Ceremony held Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Bert Ogden Arena.
A total of 161 PSJA Early College students walked across the stage during the Commencement Ceremony an entire semester before their high school graduation in May 2025. Of the 161 students, 106 earned Associate Degrees in fields including Biology, Criminal Justice, Graphic Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Computer Science, and Mathematics.
Additionally, 55 seniors earned Industry Level Certificates through the PSJA Academies in high-demand, high-wage fields such as Structural Welding, Automotive, and Computer Application preparing them for the workforce and beyond.
Overall, the number of Prospective College Graduates increased a remarkable 39% compared to last December. This growth highlights PSJA ISD’s commitment to preparing students for success through its innovative programs and the collaborative efforts of campus teams and the PSJA College and Career Readiness Department.
“The December STC graduation projections are truly a testament to the incredible dedication, hard work, and leadership of our amazing staff. It’s absolutely amazing to see the rising number of students earning College Certificates and Associate Degrees,” said PSJA ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alejandro Elias. “These achievements are a clear reflection of the commitment of our staff. The support they provide has been instrumental in preparing our students for continued success.”
Through an ongoing partnership with South Texas College and other higher education leaders, thousands of PSJA ISD high school students are enrolled in college courses each semester through the district’s nationally recognized Early College Program.
“Earning an Associate Degree feels like a monumental achievement and a steppingstone toward a brighter future. It represents countless hours of hard work, resilience, and determination, especially while balancing other responsibilities,” said PSJA Early College Graduate Emily Flores. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to PSJA ISD for their unwavering support and commitment to student success. Their dedication to providing opportunities like the Early College Program has made this milestone possible for students like me.”
Interested students can learn more at www.psjaisd.us/earlycollege.
