Harlingen CISD created academies to provide a stepping stone for students interested in getting a head start on a career upon graduating from high school. HCISD provides students with choices to include 12 individualized academies -- the Apprenticeship Academy, Automotive Training Academy, Business Academy, Firefighter Academy, Health Science Academy, Information Technology Academy, Media Arts and Communications Academy, Natural Resources Academy, Pre-Engineering Academy, Pre-Law Academy, Pre-Veterinary Science Academy, and the Teacher Academy.