UISD, LC and Workforce Solutions Partner to Launch BRIDGE Academy, Giving Former UISD Students a Second Chance at a Diploma & Career
Melva Castillo
mayo 1, 2025
This life-changing initiative, approved by the Texas Education Agency, offers former UISD students ages 18-26 the opportunity to return to school at no cost. The new BRIDGE Academy goes beyond academics, it will connect students to career certifications, college pathways, and support services including childcare and transportation.
“As educators we worry or concern ourselves with students in grades K-12, but what happens with those students who don’t finish?” said UISD Superintendent, Dr. Gerardo Cruz. “There’s a segment in our population of students who don’t finish for various reasons, and we felt it was necessary to engage them, identify them, and bring them back so they can earn their high school diploma.”
Instead of returning to a high school campus, BRIDGE Academy students will take their high school courses at Laredo College South, where they’ll learn in a college environment and also have the opportunity to prepare for the workforce at the same time. Students can explore programs like Google Management, Safety/Warehouse, Business certifications, and even train as dental or phlebotomy assistants with the potential to pursue an associate degree if they choose.
“It’s going to be housed here at Laredo College South and so we are thrilled with this partnership,” said LC President, Dr. Minita Ramirez. “Ideally through this partnership, through their time here at LC South they are also going to get opportunities to get certified, licensed or get an associate’s degree in an area of their liking. Something that they want to do for the rest of their lives or at least an area of consideration to gain some success and prosper economically.”
Support from Workforce Solutions for South Texas will ensure students have fewer barriers as they restart their education journey. “We are here to offer childcare and transportation and hopefully make it easier and more manageable for these students,” said WSST Executive Dir., Rogelio Trevino. 
For Fatima Rodriguez, a 23-year-old mother of two, the BRIDGE Academy was a surprise that quickly became a turning point. She had walked into Laredo College South hoping to get information about obtaining a GED. Instead, she found something she never expected. “I saw this unexpectedly,” Rodriguez shared after walking into the press conference. “I was like, what’s going on here and I started reading that and it said, ‘Didn’t Finish School?’ and I didn’t.”
Rodriguez left United South High School during her sophomore year, unsure if she’d ever return to finish her diploma. But Tuesday’s encounter changed everything. “It’s a very big sign for me, for anyone out there that hasn’t gotten their high school diploma. It’s a big day. It’s a big day for me today,” she said, visibly emotional. “There is divine intervention in everything we do and certainly she happened to walk in at the right time,” said Dr. Ramirez.
During the ceremony, board members from each organization were present to show support, including UISD Board Vice President Aliza Flores-Oliveros, LC Trustee Jackie Leven-Ramos, and WSST Board Member Dr. Angelica R. Sanchez, affirming the shared mission to uplift and empower.
“The great part about the program is that we will have flexible schedules, credit course recovery work and end of course assessments,” explained Dr. Cruz. “The journey is different for each student. Some of them are close to finishing, they may only need a few classes to complete. Whatever it is, we want them to know that UISD is here to support them and help them become successful individuals.” 
Since the launch of BRIDGE Academy, more than three dozen individuals have already completed interest surveys to begin the enrollment process.
Interested former UISD students can get started today by calling the Executive Director for Non-Traditional Learning Environments, Cynthia Ramirez or Kristina Martinez, NTLE assistant at 956.473.2114, emailing ntleteam@uisd.net, or scanning the QR code on the flyer below.
(Press Release as shared by United ISD)
Former USHS student, Fatima Rodriguez cried after learning about the BRIDGE Academy.
