“On the field, we’re rivals. In the classroom, we’re teammates. And in life, we’re ready for whatever comes next.”
South Texas Rural Schools Innovation Zone Building Careers & Community
The Rural Schools Innovation Zone (RSIZ) is a unique partnership among five rural districts that provide career academies, which are like training camps, equipping students for graduation and beyond, with a laser focus on preparing students for high demand careers in local industries.
Through hands-on learning, industry certifications, and dual-enrollment opportunities, students are getting real-world experiences, exposure to a variety of careers, and both concrete and soft skills that set them up for a strong future. From their welding, HVAC and construction workshop, to the state-of-the-art Next Generation Medical Academy, and the high-tech STEM Discovery Zone equipped with robots and drones, these academies are the epitome of transformational learning. One Premont high school senior noted, “It’s opened a lot of doors that I didn’t know were possible. I’m working on getting my FAA certification so that I’ll be able to fly drones commercially, and then I’m doing Robotics 1 and 2 and will hopefully get a robotics certification as well.”
On March 25, 2025, all five RSIZ districts, their Mayors, superintendents and district leadership came together for the first time to see what has been accomplished, including celebrating the RSIZ official proclamation from Governor Abbott’s office congratulating them on being named a 2024 Yass Prize finalist, receiving $500,000 to expand their current offerings and reach. “You will truly never understand the magnitude of this visit to our five communities – and what this award has made possible,’ said Executive Director Mike Gonzalez, who has previously hosted leaders from 46 states to learn from their success, a testament to its role as a national model for rural education. Just like a championship team that sets the bar for others, RSIZ is proving that rural schools can foster innovation and excellence when they collaborate and join forces. “People assume small-town schools don’t have the same opportunities,” said one student. “But RSIZ is showing that we can compete – and win – on a national level.”
RSIZ is transforming rural education as a model in the United States, ensuring that rural school students have access to even better opportunities like many other students do in larger cities and suburbs. A key factor in RSIZ’s success is its sustainability – one of the core principles of the Yass Prize – supported by forward-thinking policy at the state level. The Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership program was enacted as a result of RSIZ’s efforts, and rural collaboratives now receive weighted funding incentives that promote rural district partnerships.
Without RSIZ, each district would have to offer their own certifications and career academies separately, which is an overwhelming and expensive feat because of the level and cost of technology and equipment, the instructor qualifications required, and the need to offer a diversity of academies. This multi-district collaboration shares financial and human resources to maximize the offerings for their students. While the students may attend different schools as their home base, they are united under the Zone’s guiding motto: “My students, your students, our students.”
“I never saw myself wanting to be an RN until I started at the zone. I have my heart set on it now. When I go to college, I know I can use my EKG, Phlebotomy, and Medical Assistant certification. The academies set you up for the next step and put you ahead of everyone else,” said one student.
One of the most unique aspects of RSIZ is that many of its teachers bring real-world industry experience to the classroom. Several instructors own their own local businesses and integrate their professional expertise into their instruction, ensuring that students are learning from those who have first hand knowledge of their fields. Some even hire students to work with their companies over the summer, providing invaluable job experience before they even graduate. This model not only enhances classroom learning but also gives students a direct pathway into the workforce, all while still in high school.
RSIZ’s impact is reaching far beyond South Texas. In fact, RSIZ is committed to strengthening local communities, and encouraging students to stay local post-graduation. By offering career training and connections in industries that exist right in their very towns, and helped along by teachers many of whom own their own businesses or have a speciality they can learn from, RSIZ is helping to reverse the trend of young talent leaving for more bustling cities like San Antonio and Dallas. Students no longer have to look elsewhere for opportunity. They are equipped to build careers, start their own local businesses, and give back to the small towns that raised them.
Future plans will focus on developing academies in solar energy, culinary arts, and process technology, especially with the new Tesla plant opening. RSIZ also plans to incorporate an entrepreneurial curriculum into their offerings, ensuring that students not only gain technical expertise but simultaneously learn the business side of the industry.
“RSIZ has given me the tools to chase my dreams,” one student reflected. “On the field, we’re rivals. In the classroom, we’re teammates. And in life, we’re ready for whatever comes next.”
To enjoy more photos from this incredible visit, please visit the entire gallery here. And be sure to follow along for our next roadshow visit to Big Picture Learning in Providence, Rhode Island on May 7th!