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.”

“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.”