La Joya ISD Leads Rio Grande Valley in South Texas College Enrollment for Fall 2026
La Joya, TX - Graduation may mark the end of a student’s journey through La Joya ISD, but the District’s commitment to their success extends far beyond the moment they cross the stage. This fall, hundreds of La Joya ISD graduates are continuing that journey at South Texas College - and new enrollment figures show more of them are doing so than ever before.
A total of 466 graduates from La Joya ISD’s Class of 2026 enrolled at South Texas College this fall, an increase of 93 students, or 24.9%, from the previous year. The growth places La Joya ISD at the top in South Texas College enrollment among Rio Grande Valley school districts for Fall 2026.
The milestone reflects more than a year-over-year increase. It represents hundreds of graduates putting their postsecondary plans into action and the collective work taking place across La Joya ISD to ensure students leave high school with the access, guidance and support needed to take their next step.
“This achievement reflects what can happen when students are surrounded by people who believe in their potential and help them navigate the path forward,” said Melinda Flores, Executive Director of College & Career Success for La Joya ISD. “From exploring their options and completing applications to navigating financial aid and enrollment, our students have support throughout the process. Seeing 466 of our graduates continue their education at South Texas College is something our entire community can be proud of.”
Throughout high school, La Joya ISD students have access to college and career readiness resources designed to help them explore postsecondary options and understand the steps required to reach their goals. Counselors, CCMR (College, Career & Military Readiness) teams, teachers and administrators work alongside students and families on college applications, financial aid, scholarships, career exploration and other components of the transition beyond high school.
The District also provides opportunities for students to connect directly with higher education institutions through initiatives such as college fairs, campus visits and other college-readiness activities.
The nearly 25% increase reflects the impact of those collective efforts and reinforces one of the central commitments of La Joya ISD’s Achieving Excellence Together: 2030 strategic plan: developing Empowered Graduates who leave the District prepared to successfully pursue college, career and other postsecondary pathways.
“We want our graduates to leave La Joya ISD with a plan, the confidence to pursue it and an understanding of the opportunities available to them,” Flores added. This growth tells us that more of our students are turning those plans into action.”
South Texas College remains an important postsecondary option for La Joya ISD graduates, providing students the opportunity to pursue higher education close to home while choosing from a wide range of academic, technical and workforce programs.
With 466 graduates enrolled at South Texas College this fall, La Joya ISD is celebrating both the growth represented by the numbers and what comes next for each student. More graduates pursuing higher education. More doors opening. And more La Joya ISD students building brighter futures.
