Southwest ISD (SWISD) and CAST Schools recently joined forces to celebrate the grand opening of CAST STEM High School at Palo Alto College with a joyous ribbon cutting and community celebration. CAST STEM, catering to approximately 200 9th through 12th-grade students, places a strong emphasis on preparing the next generation for high-demand, high-wage jobs in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and global logistics. This collaboration between Palo Alto, SWISD, and CAST Schools introduces a groundbreaking model that seamlessly integrates both college and career pathways, empowering students to pursue customized opportunities aligned with their interests and aspirations.
We are building a new high school model at CAST STEM. We call it Early College Plus. CAST Schools blend college and career and here at CAST STEM, students can earn an associate’s, or choose to leverage college courses to launch their career more fully. – Jeanne Russell, CAST Schools Executive Director
About Southwest Independent School District
Southwest Independent School District is a distinguished, award-winning school district with numerous recognitions at the regional and state levels. SWISD prides itself in its family-friendly schools, positive and inclusive community culture, and wide range of college and career-ready programs. Southwest ISD serves 13,800 students and 1,900 employees and comprises 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools with state-of-the-art athletic facilities and a brand-new aquatic center.
ABOUT THE CAST Schools Network
CAST Schools | The Centers for Applied Science & Technology (CAST) is a San Antonio-based network of tuition-free public schools with a mission to reinvent schooling in order to maximize opportunities for students while preparing them for college AND careers. Open to all Bexar County students. The network includes high schools CAST Tech, CAST Teach, CAST STEM, CAST Med, CAST Lead, CAST Imagine Middle School, and the Advanced Learning Academy. Schools are co-created with industry and partner with area public school districts, including Northside, San Antonio, Southwest, and East Central ISDs. For more information, visit castschools.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Palo Alto College
Palo Alto College, part of the Alamo Colleges District, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and a recipient of the 2015 Texas Award for Performance Excellence, a finalist for the 2016 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and a Rising Star winner of the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. With over 9,000 students, Palo Alto College is accredited to offer associate degrees and short-term certificates. The College is located on the southside of San Antonio at 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. at I-410 and Texas Hwy 16 and online at alamo.edu/pac.
