Top 5 of ’25 – #2 Cultural Arts in SAISD

Our Top 5 of 2025 continues with a story rooted in identity, heritage, and student pride.

Cultural arts in SAISD aren’t extracurricular—they’re essential. Through mariachi and ballet folklórico, students are learning discipline, storytelling, and confidence while carrying forward traditions that reflect who they are and where they come from.

Here’s why Cultural Arts earned a Top 5 spot this year:

1️⃣ Unmatched Access at Scale

SAISD is home to:

• 27 Mariachi programs serving 2,520 students
• 19 Ballet Folklórico programs engaging 650 students

This level of access makes SAISD a regional leader in culturally relevant arts education.

2️⃣ Protecting and Preserving Tradition

At a time when arts programs across the country face cuts, SAISD has doubled down—protecting folklórico programs, celebrating mariachi roots, and ensuring these traditions thrive for the next generation.

3️⃣ Teaching Artists Who Bring Culture to Life

SAISD will continue working with contracted teaching artists, bringing professional musicians and dancers directly into classrooms and rehearsal spaces to elevate instruction and student experience.

4️⃣ Celebrating Culture Beyond the Campus

During student performances across the city, SAISD students are representing their schools and their culture on some of the best public stages.

This year also marked the launch of a new signature event honoring the power of music and tradition in our community, Night of Music. Legacy of Culture.

5️⃣ Investing in What Students Need to Shine

Through targeted grants, the SAISD Foundation is helping campuses meet instrument and uniform needs, removing financial barriers so students can focus on performing, competing, and excelling.

Cultural arts in SAISD are more than performances—they’re pathways to belonging, confidence, and excellence.

Top 5 of ’25 – #1 Beat the Heat College Enrollment Trips

We’re highlighting five powerful SAISD Foundation stories that show what’s possible when our community invests in students—from early learning through college. These are the programs, moments, and milestones shaping bright futures in 2026.

We’re kicking off the series with a story that’s already transforming the college journey for our newest graduates. College enrollment has climbed to an all-time high of 60% within two years of graduation. 

Beat the Heat enrollment trips are removing real barriers that often keep students from starting college on time. Together with SAISD Postsecondary Initiatives, we’re making sure graduates get the support they need before classes even begin.

So why is this program a Top 5 highlight? Here are the standout impacts:

1️⃣ On-Site College Support

From St. Philip’s College to Texas A&M–San Antonio, students are getting hands-on help registering for classes, submitting documents, and tackling enrollment tasks in real time.

2️⃣ A Bridge to Opportunity

As Postsecondary Navigator Cindy Cardenas shared, these trips are more than college visits. Students show up nervous, but leave confident, supported, and connected—with navigators who stay with them every step of the way.

3️⃣ Solving Enrollment Barriers

Our team helps students tackle hurdles like:

• Transcript delays
• Missing test scores
• Financial aid verification
• Bacterial meningitis vaccine requirements
• Accessibility services & orientation setup

Every issue gets solved on the spot with district and college staff working side by side.

4️⃣ Real Results, Real Momentum

During our summer events, 288 new alumni registered for classes

5️⃣ No Graduate Left Behind

The best part? Every student leaves with answers, next steps, and a team committed to their success—because their college journey shouldn’t be stressful. It should be supported.