By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TX – APRIL 21, 2026 – Building on a shared commitment to student success, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and South Texas ISD announced on Tuesday an enhanced partnership to explore the development of a new Collegiate High School.

This collaboration expands on what began four years ago between UTRGV and South Texas ISD – the Expanded Collegiate Partnership, a dual-credit program developed to increase college accessibility for students across South Texas. Through the partnership, UTRGV has invested more than $6 million back into STISD families through tuition and fee waivers, drastically reducing the financial barriers to a college degree.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey, South Texas ISD Superintendent Dr. Marco Antonio Lara Jr. and South Texas ISD Board President Henry LeVrier were on hand at a signing ceremony in Mercedes to cement the continued partnership.  

“While we are still a few years away from opening the doors to this new collegiate high, today’s signing makes clear that we share a commitment to explore that future together,” Bailey said. “What makes this moment special is that it is rooted in real success. This is not simply about what we hope to do someday. It is about building on what is already working.” 

UTRGV’s collegiate high school initiative currently includes Harlingen Collegiate High (opened November 2021), UTRGV Edinburg CISD Collegiate High School (opened August 2024) and the McAllen ISD Collegiate Academy (opened October 2024).

As part of the next phase, both institutions will engage in feasibility planning for an innovative educational model. This exploratory effort will evaluate academic program alignment, facility needs and operational frameworks designed to deliver transformative, high-impact learning opportunities.

“We take pride in our collaboration with UTRGV and the opportunities it creates for students across the Rio Grande Valley,” Lara said. “Building on a longstanding partnership, we have expanded dual enrollment pathways and participation since 2022, and we are excited to explore the possibility of a UTRGV/STISD Collegiate High School. We look forward to building on our progress in the years ahead.”

LeVrier echoed Lara’s sentiments about the opportunities the partnership has brought to STISD students and families.

“As a Board, we support the establishment of partnerships that reflect the priorities of our community and create lasting value for our students,” LeVrier said. “This collaboration with UTRGV continues to move us forward in expanding access to meaningful educational opportunities across the region.”

UTRGV and South Texas ISD celebrate the continued partnership with a group photo that included students from the district. (Photo by South Texas ISD)

A PROVEN FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS 

By expanding dual-credit opportunities and streamlining academic pathways, the Expanded Collegiate Partnership has helped students save time and money while transitioning into higher education with confidence. Since 2022, STISD has become an increasingly vital stakeholder in UTRGV’s ecosystem, with notable growth and impact, including:

• Exceptional Growth: Student participation has reached 555 individuals, representing a 183% increase in enrollment over the last four years.
• Significant Financial Impact: UTRGV has invested more than $6 million in tuition and fee waivers, removing financial barriers for STISD families.
• Academic Excellence: Students are completing university core courses early and transitioning into college-level rigor through initiatives such as the P-TECH computer science pathway and the Summer Bridge Program.

Today, STISD students represent 14% of all UTRGV dual-credit enrollees, evidence of the district's commitment to building a strong pipeline for student success.

COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS

UTRGV’s Harlingen Collegiate High, Edinburg CISD Collegiate High and McAllen Collegiate Academy saw momentum during the 2025–2026 academic year. Across the three locations, more than 500 students were enrolled, attempting more than 12,300 college credit hours. As registration for Fall 2026 continues, enrollment for 11th and 12th graders is expected to climb to nearly 600 students. 

The schools continue to focus on core academic success while expanding specialized pathways in engineering and computer science, education and the health professions.

This spring will mark several graduation milestones:

• Harlingen will graduate its fifth senior class on May 21, and Edinburg will celebrate its second on May 30.
• In June 2026, the first cohort of McAllen Collegiate Academy students will graduate from their home campuses within McAllen ISD, completing a full cycle for the partnership.

By streamlining the transition from high school to higher education, UTRGV and STISD remain committed to creating a premier educational pipeline and model for student achievement across South Texas.

“Together, UTRGV and South Texas ISD have shown that when we align our efforts, students benefit,” Bailey said. “They benefit from earlier access to college coursework, clearer pathways toward a degree and they benefit from the message that their future matters enough for us to invest in it together.”

UTRGV President Guy Bailey meets with South Texas ISD students on Tuesday after the signing ceremony. (Photo by South Texas ISD)