Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) hosted an inaugural PSJA College & Career Rally on October 8, 2024, at the Pharr Events Center where over 1,150 PSJA sophomores from across the district were inspired and encouraged to take advantage of the college and career-advancing opportunities offered through the district’s nationally recognized PSJA Early College Program.
Through the PSJA Early College Program in partnership with South Texas College and other higher-education institutions, high school students can graduate with up to an Associate Degree or 60 college credit hours before their high school graduation free of cost.
All PSJA ISD high schools are designated Early College, which makes them innovative high schools that allow students to attend college and high school simultaneously. Early College High Schools offer rigorous instruction and provide academic, social, and emotional support services to help students succeed.
During the rally, PSJA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alejandro Elias addressed the sophomores encouraging them to take full advantage of the free college and career opportunities available to them.
“The future is in your hands students,” said PSJA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alejandro Elias. “PSJA is here to provide the resources and support to help you achieve your dreams. Thank you to our partners at South Texas College for helping us prepare our students for a successful future.”
In addition to hearing from district leaders, South Texas College President Dr. Ricardo Solis spoke to students about the workforce demands and the opportunities and resources available.
“What a vision of PSJA to begin a career opportunity for you when you are barely a sophomore,” said Dr. Solis as he addressed the students. “To be at this stage in your life already planning and envisioning your future careers is remarkable! At South Texas College we are an incredible partner with PSJA and we encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities available.”
A highlight of the rally was hearing from Keynote Speaker Jessica Zamarripa, PSJA T. Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School Class of 2016 alumni who spoke about her personal experience in the PSJA Early College Program and how it helped shape her future, opening the door to many opportunities such as working with NASA while pursuing a Ph.D at Texas A&M University.
Throughout the event, students heard from their peers currently enrolled in the program by participating in a live Q&A session where panelists talked about their early college journey and the impact it’s had on their lives.
In celebration of their commitment, sophomores pledged to take advantage of the free college and career opportunities available at PSJA ISD.
