Texas Border Business
PHARR – PSJA Southwest Early College High School Senior Kassandra Moreno completed the highly competitive 2019 Brown University Pre-College Summer Program in Organizational Behavior and has been hired by a local digital marketing agency to manage social media.
The competitive Brown University Pre-College Summer Program offers more than 200 non-credit courses reflecting the wide range of Brown University’s Open Curriculum, and puts students in contact with ways of thinking, seeing and doing that challenge them to reflect deeply and think critically about their work, their learning and their lives. The senior was commended for being at the top of her class that took place July 14 – August 2, 2019.
“It was challenging at first, but I am honored to have ranked number 1 in the class,” said Moreno of her experience. “I was already familiar with a lot of the content and concepts because of my experience in the PSJA Southwest Marketing Program.”
Moreno shared that she first learned of the Brown University Pre-College Program when she participated in the district’s PSJA Ivy League & University Tours as a sophomore in 2017.
“We went to Harvard, MIT and Brown University and I just fell in love with the campus and the programs,” said Moreno who will be graduating with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from South Texas College. “I remember noticing there were kids my age, so I asked and our tour guide [mentioned] the program and when to apply.”
In addition to participating in the PSJA Ivy League & University Tours and the summer program at Brown University, Moreno has been an active member of the PSJA Southwest Marketing Program over the last three years.
According to PSJA ISD Entrepreneurship Coordinator and Marketing Instructor Eloy Garza, her passion and dedication have led her to gain invaluable experience in the marketing field.
“Kassandra is a remarkable young lady whose drive and dedication to succeed will undoubtedly take her far in life,” Garza said. “She is an outstanding young business professional who represents our district, community, and region with distinction.”
Thanks to the experience she has gained, Moreno recently became the first high school senior to be hired as a contract freelancer Social Media Specialist by Cobalt Digital Marketing, an agency that specializes in search engine optimization, social media, and content management in McAllen.
“She’s really impressive and I love her enthusiasm,” said Cobalt Digital Marketing Owner Stephanie Hawk. “She is managing three accounts and the work I am seeing is excellent. Her strategies are on point with clients.”
According to Hawk, due to the preparation and caliber of education students receive at PSJA ISD, Moreno is the fourth PSJA student/alumni they work with.
“I am so impressed by this program that is a combination of academic and applied learning,” said Hawk. “The students coming out are ready for the workforce. The amazing talent we have worked with has helped our company grow.”
For Moreno, she is grateful for the opportunities and support she has had so far. The senior shared that she has applied for early decision to Brown University’s Business Marketing Program and expects to know by mid-December.
“Thank you to PSJA and my mentor Mr. Garza,” said Moreno. “The education I have received has really prepared me. I never thought I was going to be able to take a course at Brown University and do well. I’m really grateful.”
