Texas Border Business
PHARR – As part of continuing efforts to provide life-changing opportunities for students, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) recently opened a new state-of-the-art Cosmetology facility located at PSJA Elvis J. Ballew High School in Pharr, Texas.
Offered through the PSJA Career & Technical Education (PSJA CTE) Program, students in the Cosmetology Career Pathway will have the opportunity to earn a Cosmetology Operators License in high school free of cost.
“With a Cosmetology Operators License our students will be prepared to go into the workforce knowing how to do everything from hair, skin, and nails. They will also be able to open their own business,” said PSJA CTE Director Adriana Garcia. “This facility will allow them to gain hands-on experience as they work to complete this program.”
According to the Cosmetology Instructor Reyna Juarez, this career pathway is offering students a jumpstart on their careers once they graduate from PSJA ISD, ultimately saving them thousands of dollars.
“This program is saving students anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 in the State of Texas to receive this education and the license required,” said Juarez. “This career pathway teaches students how to service customers, be professional and learn to beautify others.”
The Cosmetology Career Pathway is open to all PSJA ISD high school students. Students can start taking courses as early as their 9th grade year. Students interested in the pathway can contact their counselor to sign up.
While students have the opportunity to take cosmetology fundamental classes at all comprehensive high schools, the new PSJA Cosmetology Facility is aimed to provide hands-on experience and practice to Seniors in the program who must complete 1,000 practicum hours and pass a rigorous examination to meet their State license requirements.
For PSJA Southwest Early College High School Senior Meleni Hernandez getting to be part of the program while in high school has been a great opportunity.
“Ever since I was little, I have always loved make-up and hair,” said Hernandez. “It feels great knowing I will be able to have a job when I graduate. I am very grateful to be able to save all this money for the program. Thank you to everyone who made this opportunity possible for us.”
The PSJA CTE Program provides cutting-edge, rigorous and relevant education that prepares high school students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, high demand careers. PSJA ISD students can choose from 13 unique career pathways and 28 specialized programs to get a jumpstart in the workforce. “At PSJA ISD we take pride in providing outstanding facilities, and career-advancing opportunities for our students and staff,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “This gives them a jumpstart in their future, ultimately allowing them to have access to better jobs right out of high
