Rural Schools Innovation Zone
Premont, Texas
This dynamic public-private partnership provides rural students with workforce aligned training and apprenticeships, helping to earn significant industry certifications that fuel the talent pipeline in their communities.
About
The Rural Schools Innovation Zone (RSIZ) is a transformational force in South Texas education, uniting five districts and innovative charter schools to revolutionize rural education. With specialized career academies that align with local workforce needs, RSIZ equips students with real-world experiences, including internships and apprenticeships that lead to significant academic and professional achievement. RSIZ has seen remarkable success, including a 4x increase in dual credit completion and a 7x rise in industry certifications, which is two and half times that of the state average. RSIZ’s impact extends beyond data, as alumni return to their communities, taking on leadership roles and contributing to local growth. Driven by a commitment to do what’s right for students, RSIZ challenges the status quo to ensure every student has access to meaningful post-secondary opportunities.
Their Story
Keeping the rivalries on the football field, five rural South Texan school districts united in 2019 under Rural Schools Innovation Zone to provide specialized career academies aligned with local workforce needs, offering students real-world experiences, such as internships and apprenticeships, that lead to significant industry certifications.
Michael Gonzalez
Executive Director
“The journey of every rural student is unique, and at the RSIZ, we are committed to ensuring that every step is met with opportunity, innovation, and support. We envision a future where rural education in America is not defined by limitations but by endless possibilities and growth.”
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Why they stand out
The Rural Schools Innovation Zone (RSIZ) in Texas stands out for its model to support rural students succeed. RSIZ partners with the local school to offer strategic and targeted CTE programming to address the unique challenges faced by rural schools, hosting specialized career academies that are open to any student within the five participating districts; transportation is provided to students to participate, therefore greatly expanding options and opportunities for students. Fostering innovative approaches and encouraging the implementation of new educational practices, RSIZ enhances student outcomes and promotes educational equity and is a replicable model and can be adapted to improve educational opportunities in rural regions across the nation.
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How they STOP for education
A groundbreaking and sustainable tuition funding model that strategically taps into public CTE funds ensures reliable financial support for students in technical education.
Equipping rural students with career-ready skills is essential for driving transformational personal and economic growth, expanding opportunities, and inspiring alumni to give back to their communities post-graduation.
RSIZ has achieved outstanding success, as evidenced by student completion rates that consistently surpass local and state averages.
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Winning their award
Winning a STOP Award will significantly expand RSIZ’s reach and resources, enabling them to launch in new communities, enhance their programs, and invest in teachers. Inspired by RSIZ’s success, the Texas legislature enacted the Rural Pathways Excellence Partnerships in 2023, which will incentivize further the growth of multi-district collaborations.
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