Hello Ravens & Raven Parents! 

My name is Carlos Castañeda, Jr. and I am the College & Career Readiness Advisor at Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy.  This is my eighth year working at Harlingen CISD and I can't wait to work closely with you to help you realize and achieve your goals!

In 2011, I graduated from The University of Texas Pan American (now UTRGV) with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English & Creative Writing and a double minor in Spanish & Pre-Nursing. After graduation, I worked as an Outreach Representative for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for nearly 5 years. In 2021, I obtained a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Student Development & Leadership in Higher Education from Angelo State University. I am fluent in admissions, scholarships, and financial aid - so please know that my office is your one stop shop for College, Career, and Military Readiness! 

What does a College & Career Readiness Advisor do?  At CFA, my job is to help every student begin their College & Career Readiness Plan.  This plan is part of HCISD's College, Career, and Community Ready mission that helps students reach milestones through all 4 years of their high school journey.  These milestones help to ensure that every student at HCISD is ready to enroll in an institution of higher education, enlist in the military, or begin their career after graduation.  Students at Dr. Cano Freshman Academy can pick up a copy of this plan in the College & Career Readiness Center (C203) to learn how to prepare for their future.  As a freshman, there are already steps you can take to make your senior year a little easier.  The next four years of your life are going to fly by - so make sure you're on track.

I am incredibly excited to be at CFA for another year! Our faculty and staff are committed to the safety and success of each of our students.  If there is anything I can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to stop by my office (C203) or feel free to contact me at Email Carlos Castaneda / 956.430.4900.