Texas Border Business
ALAMO – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD hosted kick-off events to officially start eight Institutes for the 2019-2020 school year. The last four kick-offs were held at PSJA Memorial Early College High School on Friday, Nov. 1.
Thanks to last year’s success of the PSJA Pre-Law Institute, seven additional career pathways are now available as enrichment programs for students in 10th-12th grade attending PSJA ISD schools.
The additional seven new institutes are in: Mental Health & Human Services; Engineering; Sports Medicine; IT; Education; Entrepreneurship; and Law Enforcement.
During the kick-off events, students interested in these careers had the chance to hear and interact with veterans in the field, and participate in interactive activities and exhibits.
According to PSJA Executive Director of College Readiness Linda Uribe, the goal of the PSJA Institutes is to provide PSJA students: one-on-one mentorship from local professionals; insight on education requirements; opportunities to be part of special workshops, job shadowing, and internships.
“These kick-off events allowed our students to meet their mentors and learn what to expect throughout the year,” said Uribe. “The PSJA Institutes exemplify family, as students from all of our high schools are taking part and leveraging on each other’s talents.”
PSJA ISD provides an array of opportunities for students to get hands-on learning and experience in the field of their choice. The PSJA Institutes complement the district’s Early College program, which graduates students with up to an Associate Degree from South Texas College prior to their high school graduation.
“Our students who participate in these PSJA Institutes will be connected to invaluable mentors and see what it’s like to have careers in these fields,” said Dr. Arredondo. “We are honored to offer these life-changing experiences that help students be better prepared when they go to college and enter the workforce.”
To learn more about the PSJA Institutes visit www.psjaisd.us/institutes
