A teacher at PSJA Southwest Early College High School in Pharr is getting national recognition for a hands-on project that will transform his school's courtyard.

The Voya Foundation awarded a $2,000 grant to Alberto Ramirez, an engineering teacher at the school.

The money will help students design and build a donut-shaped pond with a footbridge in the school courtyard.

"My idea was to give back to the school as much as I can and be a benefit for the students. I wanted to work with as many teachers and programs across the entire curriculum," Ramirez said.

Students will handle everything from site analysis and technical drawings to budgets and construction.

The project will let students apply engineering, math, and science skills.

Voya Foundation Vice President Braeden Mayrisch said what set Ramirez's program apart was its reach across multiple subjects.

"I think what made his program in particular very special is just that it didn't just touch on one subject matter. It touched on all these subject matters, and it was real career readiness skills that these kids are learning," Mayrisch said.