Texas Border Business
PHARR – Continuing its efforts to provide life-changing opportunities, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) kicked off its 2021 PSJA Institutes recently with events at several campuses.
Started in the fall of 2018, the PSJA Institutes provide students in-depth knowledge and hands-on experiences in various careers. The PSJA Institutes offer these opportunities to 8th-12th grade students. PSJA ISD is the only school district in the Rio Grande Valley currently offering these career-advancing opportunities to students.
At PSJA ISD, students can participate in institutes focused on eight fields of study including Pre-Law, Education, Mental Health & Human Services, Engineering, IT, Sports Medicine, Health Care and Law Enforcement.
Despite the pandemic, the PSJA Institutes continued virtually during the 2020-2021 school year and resumed in-person engagement again this year.
As part of the kick-off events held Oct. 15 & Oct. 22, middle school and high school students heard from professionals in different fields of study and got to take part in numerous hands-on activities and exhibits.
For Marla Rojas, 8th grader at Kennedy Middle School in Pharr, joining the PSJA Institutes will help her get more knowledge in the field.
“I wanted to join because they look fun and I wanted to learn more,” said Rojas who shared planning to pursue an Associate Degree in Engineering in high school. “Thank you for providing us with these opportunities PSJA!”
The PSJA Institutes compliment 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.
“It’s important for us as a school district to provide these types of opportunities where our students can gain hands-on experience and network with professionals in numerous careers,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo.
