Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
RGV LEAD, the Rio Grande Valley’s longtime leader in bridging education and workforce, reported notable expansion and measurable success in its 2024–2025 Impact Report. Under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Marcos Silva, the organization extended its services to 20 school districts, reaching over 53,000 high school students and reinforcing its commitment to preparing young people for college, careers, and lifelong success.
“This year, we have expanded access while staying true to our mission,” said Dr. Silva. “We’re connecting more classrooms to industry than ever before, and the results are tangible for students and educators across the region.”
The organization emphasized strategic growth through deeper partnerships and broader participation. New district memberships reflected a growing shared commitment to equipping students with the skills and awareness necessary to thrive beyond high school.
“Our growth isn’t just in numbers—it’s in depth of impact,” Dr. Silva noted. “We’re seeing students more engaged, teachers more supported, and industry more connected.”
Throughout the year, RGV LEAD implemented high-impact programs that directly supported student success. Over 900 students participated in the Leadership & Workforce Conference, where they received communication, networking, and professional confidence training. More than 4,000 high school seniors earned career-readiness graduation certificates, and $12,000 in direct funding was awarded to student-led entrepreneurial projects. The annual Education and Career Expo welcomed over 400 students, and 45 business-student mentorships were established to foster career exposure and skill-building.
“Our programs are designed with purpose,” said Dr. Silva. “When students see how their education connects to the real world, they become more confident in their path forward.”
The Teacher Externship Program emerged as a flagship initiative in 2024. In partnership with Workforce Solutions Lower Rio, Workforce Solutions Cameron, and Region One ESC, the program placed 46 teachers into 25 local businesses. This hands-on experience allowed educators to bring industry insights back into the classroom, aligning curriculum with current workforce expectations.
“By investing in educators, we multiply our impact,” said Dr. Silva. “These externships give teachers the context and confidence to prepare students for careers that matter to our local economy.”
Industry participation grew, with 166 recorded engagements including mentorships, guest speaking, and sponsorships. Dr. Silva emphasized, “The partnership between education and industry is not optional—it’s essential. When businesses show up for students, the entire region benefits.”
A key development was the release of RGV LEAD’s updated Labor Market Report. For the first time, the report was also published in Spanish, ensuring broader accessibility for students and families. The report provided detailed regional data on in-demand occupations, helping schools better align academic offerings with real job opportunities.
“Our goal is not just to inform—it’s to empower,” Dr. Silva stated. “When students and families understand the labor market, they can make more confident decisions about the future.”
Survey data collected during a spring student conference highlighted common concerns, with 86% of students citing lack of information and lack of experience as key barriers to employment. Dr. Silva pointed to these findings as further justification for early and ongoing career education.
RGV LEAD also reported a diversified funding strategy to sustain its mission. The organization drew 44.7% of its revenue from membership fees, 31.6% from grants, 19.8% from events, and 3.8% from services. This balance of public and private funding enabled continued growth and financial stability.
“Our financial model supports both innovation and sustainability,” said Dr. Silva. “We’re building a foundation that will allow us to scale our efforts and deepen our service in the years ahead.”
Looking ahead to 2025–2026, RGV LEAD is focused on expanding its programming to middle school and college students, further enhancing bilingual resources, and increasing community engagement. Dr. Silva expressed optimism for the future: “We are prepared to do even more. With continued partnership, we will keep building a system where education and opportunity go hand in hand.”
As RGV LEAD moves forward, the vision remains clear: empowering every student in the Rio Grande Valley to succeed through meaningful connections between learning and livelihood.
See report below:
