In 2002-2003, Hidalgo ISD created the Academic Leadership Alliance, a partnership with the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, TechPrep of the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, ESC Region One and local area businesses to search for innovative ways to connect business and education in an effort to provide students a quality education.

The partnership resulted in the Hidalgo ISD Career Pathways Program and related initiatives that help enrich the students' awareness of future opportunities. It also provides them with a seamless alignment between business and education.

Within the umbrella of the program, teachers as well as counselors participate in a three-week summer educator internship where they are provided mentoring opportunities with the business sector.

To enrich the process, educators then spend an additional week aligning the course curriculum with their business work experience. They also plan for career related activities to use during the next academic year.