Islander Academy: Dual Credit Program Offers Head Start to Higher Education

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas— The morning starts like any other — the shuffle of papers, the click of a keyboard, a lesson on the screen. But for A.C. Jones High School junior Mia Aguilar, it’s also a step towards something greater. Through the Islander Academy Dual Credit Program at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the Beeville ISD student is earning college credit and building a foundation for what comes next — all of it, from the convenience of her high school classroom.

“I’ve been doing engineering programs since sixth grade, and it’s really exciting to now do college-level work,” Aguilar said.

This opportunity for Aguilar comes through a new partnership between Beeville ISD and TAMU-CC, making Beeville the first district in the Coastal Bend to offer Geospatial Engineering and Land Surveying (GELS) courses. Designed to connect students with high-demand career fields, the pathway introduces real-world applications of mapping, data collection, and land surveying to students, giving them a head start on college-level STEM pathways while still in high school.

“The GELS Pathway allows students to gain experience with necessary tools, connect with professors and industry professionals, and see opportunities they might not have until college,” said Matthew Esqueda, Beeville ISD Director of Career and Technical Education. “It’s a win-win for our students, our district, and the university.”

For Seneca Holland, TAMU-CC instructor and undergraduate program coordinator for Geospatial Science, as well as program lead for the GELS Career and Technical Education Pathway, the focus goes beyond preparing students for college. It’s about equipping them with the skills and confidence to step directly into meaningful, high-paying careers.

“Our hope is that these students continue in the GELS Pathway, whether that means entering the workforce directly or pursuing degrees at TAMU-CC,” Holland said. “In either case, they’ll be ready to enter rewarding careers that benefit both themselves and the communities they live in.”

The GELS Pathway builds on the proven success of Klein ISD near Houston, where dual credit enrollment is thriving, and graduates have gone on to pursue GELS-related careers and degree programs at TAMU-CC.

Islander Academy opens the door to higher education in three unique ways. Some students join classes virtually — connecting in real time with TAMU-CC professors. Others take university-level courses right in their own high schools, taught by local teachers certified to deliver the Islander curriculum. A third path blends both approaches, offering the flexibility to fit seamlessly into a student’s schedule. In many cases, tuition and fees come at no cost to the students.

“Our program also equips students with essential skills, such as critical thinking and effective communication, setting them up for success in their future endeavors,” said Dr. Brenda Harms, TAMU-CC Vice President for Enrollment Management. “Our dual-credit students are Islanders, through and through. We welcome Islander Academy students to immerse themselves in our vibrant campus life — everything from attending events to cheering on Islanders Athletics.”

Across the Coastal Bend and beyond, Islander Academy is reaching more students than ever before. Currently, the university also partners with Flour Bluff ISD, Gregory-Portland ISD, Incarnate Word Academy, Rockport-Fulton ISD, and Tuloso-Midway ISD, while also welcoming homeschool students from across Texas.

At Gregory-Portland High School, senior Juliana Gonzalez sees Islander Academy as both a personal opportunity and a continuation of family tradition. With parents who are proud TAMU-CC alumni, and a father who once played basketball for the Islanders, her future at the university feels like a natural next step.

“I’ve always wanted to be an Islander, and I plan on continuing my education here,” Gonzalez said. “I’m glad to get some courses done while I’m still in high school, plus my family and I save money.”