Video produced by UT Arlington

Monday was not only the first day of school for thousands of students in Arlington Independent School District (AISD), but for a select group of incoming freshmen, it was a uniquely special day.

UT Arlington President Vistasp M. Karbhari and AISD Superintendent Marcelo Cavazos signed an agreement between the two organizations effectively creating a new science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Academy at Martin High School.

"The STEM Academy is a first step to address the tremendous need to help students understand how much math and engineering is behind how technology works and how science can help find cures for incurable diseases," Karbhari said as he and Cavazos addressed a freshman class of approximately 25 students. These young men and women from across the district were selected to be a part of this inaugural STEM Academy class.

"It's also about giving you options," Karbhari told the students. "The option to go to a great college and the option to get a career where you can earn money and help keep your family safe and secure."

Students that successfully complete the STEM Academy can earn up to 32 hours of college credit, which would make them sophomores instead of freshmen upon entering UTA.

"We want to send a message that in AISD, you can not only dream, but you can make that dream become a reality," said Cavazos.