PSJA ISD Expands College Opportunities Through New UTSA Film Studies Academy

New academy expands college and career pathways in the creative arts through a partnership with UTSA  

PHARR - Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) is continuing to redefine what is possible for students through a new partnership with The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), launching the UTSA Film Studies Academy as part of the district's nationally recognized PSJA Early College Program beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.  

The academy will provide students with the opportunity to earn up to 18 college credit hours toward UTSA's Undergraduate Film Minor in Film Studies while still in high school, creating a unique pathway for students interested in film, media production, digital storytelling, screenwriting, and related creative industries.  

Housed at the Dr. Daniel P. King PSJA College & University Center in San Juan, the UTSA Film Studies Academy will welcome its inaugural cohort of students in Fall 2026, further expanding the district's portfolio of college and career pathways designed to prepare students for high-demand industries and postsecondary success.  

“Our students have demonstrated that they can compete and succeed at the highest levels in theatre, film, and digital media," said PSJA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alejandro Elias. "The launch of the UTSA Film Studies Academy builds upon that success by creating a direct college pathway for students interested in film and media careers. Through our PSJA Academies and Early College Program, we continue to provide opportunities that allow students to transform their talents and passions into college and career success." 

Students enrolled in the academy will begin with college-level courses such as Basics of Screenwriting and History of Film: 1960s to Present, with opportunities to continue coursework toward UTSA's Undergraduate Film Minor. Additional courses within the minor include Introduction to Film and Media, Acting for the Screen, Music Video Production, and Digital Video Production, providing students with hands-on experiences in storytelling, performance, media analysis, and content creation.  

The academy represents a natural extension of PSJA ISD's commitment to excellence in the arts, creating a direct pathway from student participation in Fine Arts programs to university-level study and careers in the creative industries.  

The UTSA Film Studies Academy builds upon the success of PSJA ISD's nationally recognized Fine Arts programs, which continue to earn distinction at the highest levels of competition in Texas. Most recently, PSJA Southwest Early College High School was named the UIL 5A State Champion Theatre Team, while PSJA North Early College High School earned UIL 5A State First Runner-Up honors, placing PSJA ISD's theatre programs first and second among the best in the state of Texas. 

The statewide recognition included outstanding performances in the UIL State Film Contest, where PSJA Southwest's documentary El Museo 956 earned 2nd Place in the 5A Documentary Division and PSJA North's Your Reality earned 2nd Place in the 5A Digital Animation Division. These accomplishments demonstrate the exceptional talent, creativity, and storytelling abilities of PSJA ISD students and underscore the strong foundation upon which the UTSA Film Studies Academy is being built.  

At a time when young filmmakers, digital creators, and storytellers are making an impact across the entertainment industry, the UTSA Film Studies Academy will help PSJA students transform their creativity into college and career opportunities through university-level coursework and hands-on learning experiences.  

Students participating in the new academy will continue to have access to South Texas College dual credit opportunities, allowing them to pursue an associate degree, core complete designation, or additional college coursework while enrolled in the UTSA Film Studies program.  

According to the latest Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR), 18 percent of PSJA graduates earned an associate degree while still in high school, significantly exceeding regional and state averages. Additionally, the Class of 2026 earned more than $159 million in scholarships and $44 million in grants, reflecting the district's continued success in preparing students for postsecondary achievement.  

"The UTSA Film Studies Academy represents another significant step forward in our commitment to providing students with diverse and innovative college pathways," said Dr. Linda Uribe, PSJA ISD Executive Officer for College Readiness. "We are grateful to our higher education partners at UTSA and South Texas College for their collaboration and shared commitment to student success. By expanding opportunities through our PSJA Academies and Early College Program, we are ensuring students can pursue their passions, earn meaningful college credit, and graduate with a competitive advantage as they continue their educational and career journeys."  

As the district continues to expand partnerships with leading colleges and universities, the UTSA Film Studies Academy represents another milestone in PSJA ISD's mission to provide students with access to transformative educational experiences that lead to college, career, and life success.  

Current 9th and 10th grade students interested in film, media production, theatre arts, digital storytelling, and related creative fields are encouraged to speak with their campus counselor for more information about eligibility requirements and enrollment opportunities.  

###  

About PSJA ISD  

Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District serves more than 29,000 students across the Rio Grande Valley and is recognized nationally for its innovative Early College Program, comprehensive college and career pathways, and commitment to ensuring all students graduate prepared for college, careers, and life.