Over 300 PSJA ISD volunteers participate in 17th Annual Countdown to Zero Dropout Recover Walk 

SAN JUAN- Over 300 committed volunteers participated in the 17th Annual Countdown to Zero Dropout Recovery Walk, organized by the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD). As part of this annual district initiative, volunteers walk through neighborhoods, aiming to reconnect with students who have dropped out or are not currently attending school.   

This door-to-door program is designed to offer students support, motivation, and resources, helping them return to complete their high school education and potentially explore college opportunities.  

Before the volunteers started their efforts on Saturday, Dr. Orlando Noyola, PSJA Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of the work. 

“We appreciate your efforts this morning, because you are the ones making phone calls, walking neighborhoods, and knocking on doors in helping get our students to return and finish school,” said Dr. Noyola. “Currently, we are number one in the region in graduating high school students and all of you have played a pivotal role.”   

Dr. Alejandro Elias also expressed his thanks to the volunteers for their dedication to the dropout recovery initiative.    

“Thank you everyone for being here, I know it’s early, but it takes all of us working together to bring our students back,” said PSJA ISD Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias. “We recently had our PSJA College and Career Technology Academy Summer graduation and witnessing those students walk across that stage with a sense of accomplishment is a direct result of the work that you do day in and day out. We are giving students a second chance to complete their education and seek post-secondary opportunities.”   

The Countdown to Zero Dropout Recovery Walk is scheduled to continue several Saturdays throughout September, with the next walk set for Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  

In addition to these efforts, PSJA ISD has the College & Career Technical Academy (PSJA CCTA), which offers individuals aged 18-26 who did not earn a high school diploma the opportunity to complete their education and connect with post-secondary opportunities. Interested individuals can call 956-784-1515 for more information.                                                                            

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