Texas Border Business
In partnership with leadership from South Texas College and STC’s Dual Credit Programs, Roma Independent School District launched its first-ever early college academy Tuesday morning. Two years in the making, the new academy will enable students to earn at least 40 hours of college credit once they graduate high school, the equivalent of taking their core classes before they even graduate.
 “For the students, I want to be sure they understand the gravity of the journey they have embarked on, and that it is only a part of the journey they must take to realize their dreams,” said Leonardo Castaneda, director of Academies & Career Technical Programs. “I am asking students to dig deep when they are faced with challenges and to seek out support because STC will be there to help them along the way.”
Roma ISD’s inaugural cohort is comprised of at least 20 high school sophomores who were in attendance, along with STC Board of Trustees Chair Rose Benavidez and Roma ISD Superintendent Carlos M. Gonzalez Jr., at a celebration created to announce the start of the new academy.
Superintendent Gonzalez touted the opportunity for students to earn college credit without having to leave campus and giving them a jumpstart into higher education, while enabling their parents to save on thousands in tuition.
