The Rural Schools Innovation Zone (the RSIZ) is a first-of-its-kind partnership made up of five school districts and five institutions of higher education in South Texas. The RSIZ is a nonprofit organization designed as a sustainable collaborative to provide rural students high-quality opportunities for postsecondary success.
Hear from students and families about the opportunities provided by the RSIZ:
(Video created in 2021)
Get to know the RSIZ in this video:
(Video created in 2019)
The RSIZ Academies
Each RSIZ academy focuses on specific exciting college and career pathways with opportunities open to all RSIZ students. Explore and learn more about each RSIZ academy below.
In 2020, the RSIZ launched two additional academies:
Grow Your Own Educator Academy at Premont High School
Citizen’s Battalion Naval JROTC Academy
at Falfurrias High School
“I never saw myself wanting to be a Registered Nurse until I started at Next Generation Medical Academy and now that’s what I want to do. I have my heart set on it. When I go to college and I’m taking my basics, I know I can use my EKG, Phlebotomy and Medical Assistant certification at a hospital. The academies set you up for the next step and put you ahead of everyone else.”
”
““The experiences with the RSIZ cannot be found anywhere else. We get that one to one learning with teachers, and get to explore different certifications and careers. The academies open your eyes to things you never thought about in your career path.””
“ “I have an electrical apprenticeship card, a heavy equipment card, NCCER safety card, and then hopefully after I graduate I’ll get a Welding 1 certificate. The Ignite Technical Institute gave me a job plan and career opportunities.””
