Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – The Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is giving Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) students an exciting opportunity to ignite their passion for engineering, mathematics, and science. Through hands-on activities, exposure to current research, and collaboration with university faculty and college students, TexPREP offers middle and high school students a unique chance to experience a university setting while building a solid foundation in STEM fields.
PSJA College Readiness Department hosted a TexPREP Parent Meeting to provide an overview of the program and assist families with the application process. Thirteen students, accompanied by their parents, attended the event and submitted applications for the 2025 TexPREP Program in collaboration with the UTRGV.
Anna Ramos, a UTRGV Specialist, delivered an informative presentation on the many benefits of the program, while PSJA College Readiness staff provided individualized support to families in completing their applications. Participating students, identified as top achievers in mathematics by their counselors, were invited to join the program to expand their knowledge and explore their potential in STEM careers.
“PSJA ISD is grateful for UTRGV’s collaboration and support in bringing the Texas Prefreshman Engineering Summer Program to our students. This program gives them the opportunity to explore STEM careers,” said PSJA College Readiness Strategist Mariztel Garza. “It inspires students to embrace their creativity and develop critical thinking skills, all while experiencing a university environment.”
TexPREP Summer Program runs from June 9 to July 9, 2025, and offers a rigorous four-and-a-half-week academic experience designed to develop higher-order thinking skills and inspire innovation. Accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the program allows students to earn one unit of Career and Technical Education (CTE) elective credit for every year successfully completed in PREP levels 2 to 4.
The district deadline for applications is January 27, 2025, and PSJA ISD is continuing to work with families to ensure all interested students complete their submissions.
TexPREP provides a pathway for students to succeed in advanced studies and pursue STEM careers by fostering collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking in a university setting. PSJA ISD is proud to support these young minds in their academic and professional journeys.
PSJA ISD is an open enrollment school district serving over 30,000 students. The district welcomes students living anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley. For more information on the PSJA College Readiness Department call 956.354.2044 or log on to www.psjaisd.us/departments/college-readiness-department.
