For many young adults in the Rio Grande Valley, life’s unexpected turns have sometimes meant pressing pause on their high school education, but at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, there’s always a path forward. For the past 16 years, PSJA ISD has offered individuals ages 18 to 26 a renewed opportunity through its innovative PSJA College, Career & Technology Academy (CCTA) — a campus that helps adult students complete their academic journey and rewrite their futures.
Now nearing its second anniversary since being reinstated in 2023 by Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias, PSJA CCTA stands as a beacon of second chances and opportunities. The return of this life-changing PSJA ISD academy ensures that more students — regardless of their age or past circumstances — have access to a clear and supported path to graduation and beyond.
“We are proud to have brought this academy back and to ensure students are not just completing their high school diploma, but also getting the opportunity to jumpstart their careers,” said Dr. Elias. “Just like our students in traditional high schools, our adult learners at PSJA CCTA can also earn industry certifications that make them competitive in today’s workforce.”
PSJA CCTA is specifically designed for students who didn’t complete high school due to missing credits or not passing the required State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exams, but it’s far more than a diploma completion academy — it’s a launching pad for future success.
Through partnerships with higher education institutions like South Texas College, students also have the opportunity to earn college certificates and industry-based certifications in high-demand fields such as Emergency Telecommunicator, Phlebotomy, EKG Technician, Security Guard, Substitute Teacher, Welding, HVAC, and Electrical, to name a few. Each student enrolled in the academy is also provided with a laptop to support their studies.
Since its inception over 16 years ago, nearly 2,000 students have walked the stage with pride, diplomas in hand, many with certifications that give them a competitive edge in today’s job market. At the end of their academic journey, graduates celebrate this milestone alongside family and friends. Last August 2024, over 80 students were honored for completing this critical first step toward a brighter future. PSJA ISD looks forward to celebrating another successful graduating class later this summer.
Aylin Gomez is one of the academy’s most recent success stories. After life took her in a different direction, she made the brave decision to return to school. Not only did she earn her high school diploma — she also obtained an EKG certification, bringing her one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner.
“I’m very grateful to PSJA CCTA because I was able to complete my requirements and graduate,” Gomez said. “My best friend also went through the academy and graduated, and my brother is currently attending. This is the perfect academy — you couldn’t find a better one.”
According to Dr. Nora Rivas-Garza, PSJA Executive Officer for Secondary Schools, the success of the academy lies in its flexible, student-centered approach.
“Our goal is to remove barriers and provide support for those seeking to obtain their high school diploma,” she said. “We recognize that life happens — family responsibilities, work, health issues — but that shouldn’t mean the end of someone’s education. At PSJA CCTA, we give them a clear path forward.”
That flexibility is what drew current student Michael Garza to the academy. Now on track to graduate in June 2025, Garza will receive his high school diploma along with certifications in EKG and Welding. Though he enjoys welding, his true goal is to follow in the footsteps of his brother and sister-in-law — both traveling nurses — and pursue a career in healthcare.
“Before, I saw myself without a future—but the PSJA CCTA Academy changed that. They believed in me, helped me push forward, and now I’m graduating with a diploma and two certifications.”
According to the students, the impact of PSJA CCTA goes far beyond academics. It has restored their confidence, dignity, and hope, reminding them that it’s never too late to pursue their goals — and that with the right support, anything is possible.
Enrollment is ongoing, and PSJA ISD encourages anyone between the ages of 18 and 26 who has not completed high school to reach out. Whether a student left school years ago or is just a few credits away from graduating, PSJA CCTA is ready to help students reach their goals and launch their futures.
PSJA ISD is an open-enrollment school district welcoming students living anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley. Individuals interested in learning more about PSJA CCTA or enrolling can visit psjaisd.us/ccta.
