February 21, 2024

Congressman Castro Visits Burbank High School to Celebrate $4.5 Million in College & Career Readiness Funding for San Antonio ISD

SAN ANTONIO – Yesterday, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) visited Luther Burbank High School to announce a $4.5 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Education to support college and career readiness programs at Burbank High School and six other high schools in San Antonio Independent School District. 

During the visit, Congressman Castro met with students enrolled in a Theory of Knowledge course through the Burbank International Baccalaureate program and visited a Health Sciences classroom. He also spoke with graduating seniors in Burbank’s College and Career Hub and met Howard – a five-week-old goat who was born on campus as part of the Burbank Agricultural Sciences program.

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“This week’s visit to Burbank High School was another reminder that San Antonio kids are smart, hard-working, and ready to change the world,” said Congressman Castro. “This year’s graduating seniors started high school during the toughest days of the pandemic, but they’ve shown an incredible determination to succeed and inspire the younger students who look up to them. I’m excited to see how the $4.5 million grant we announced today will help students prepare for college, kick-start meaningful careers, and chase their dreams. Thank you to Burbank High School, San Antonio ISD, and all the educators who worked with my office to bring this funding to SAISD schools and make today’s visit possible.”

The $4.5 million grant from the Department of Education will support seven San Antonio ISD high schools (Sam Houston High School, Highlands High School, Lanier High School, Brackenridge High School, Jefferson High School, Edison High School, and Burbank High School) as they partner with Alamo Colleges, Communities In Schools, Alamo Workforce Solutions, Southwest Research Institute, UP Partnership, SA Worx, and other community, industry, and college partners to advance initiatives focused on four priorities:

  • Improving college readiness and enrollment among SAISD students.
  • Improving access to post-secondary credentials by increasing the number of SAISD students who earn an industry certification, Level I certification, 12 or more hours of dual credit, and/or a college degree while still enrolled in high school.
  • Expanding work-based learning experiences for SAISD students.
  • Attracting and retaining highly qualified dual credit teachers.

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