PSJA ISD Makes History with 715 Early College Students Named Prospective South Texas College Graduates

EDINBURG – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) celebrated a record-breaking milestone as 541 Early College prospective graduates walked the stage during the South Texas College (STC) Spring Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Bert Ogden Arena. The PSJA Class of 2025 made district history with a total of 715 students participating in the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 commencement ceremonies.

Of the 715 students, 522 earned an Associate Degree in fields including Biology, Criminal Justice, Graphic Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Computer Science, and Mathematics during the 2024-2025 school year.

Additionally, 193 students earned Industry Level Certifications through the PSJA Academies in high-demand, high-wage fields such as Structural Welding, Automotive, and Computer Application, preparing them for the workforce and beyond.

These accomplishments are the result of PSJA ISD’s Nationally Recognized Early College Program in partnership with STC, which allows high school students to earn up to 60 college credit hours or an Associate Degree at no cost while simultaneously completing their high school education.

As a part of PSJA ISD’s commitment to college and career readiness, all six high schools in the district are designated as Early College. These opportunities empower students, many of them first-generation college-goers, to graduate from high school with a significant head start.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for achieving this historic milestone,” said PSJA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alejandro Elias. “Our Early College Program is not only transforming lives but transforming futures for families across our community. This achievement is a testament to our students’ dedication, the support of their families, and the commitment of our educators and staff.”

Overall, the number of Prospective College Graduates increased a remarkable 30% from the 2023-2024 school year, making it the highest number of Prospective graduates in district history due to the district’s ongoing strategic efforts to provide Opportunities For All.

“This record-breaking number of Early College Prospective Graduates demonstrates the determination of our students, the support from their families, and the dedication of our educators,” said PSJA Executive Officer for College & Career Readiness Dr. Linda Uribe-Trevino. “Our students continue to set the bar higher each year, and we couldn’t be more excited for where the future takes them.”

To learn more about the PSJA Early College Program, visit: www.psjaisd.us/whypsja