Texas Border Business
Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) has awarded the TSTC Foundation $250,000 for the purpose of postsecondary education and workforce development.
TSTC requested RSTEF funds for the creation of an endowment fund that will provide scholarships for selected TSTC programs such as biomedical, plumbing & pipefitting, wind energy, automotive, diesel, and electrical linework. Matching funds will be sourced from Harlingen EDC which is providing funding for land acquisition and capital improvements for the facility that houses or will house the targeted training programs.
The proposed RSTEF Endowed Scholarship Fund would have an ongoing positive impact on the ability of area students to access and successfully complete a postsecondary technical education, and it would help meet area employer needs for skilled technicians, helping grow the region’s economy.
The RSTEF Endowed Scholarship Fund will be open to all students, but students in the Biomedical Technology, Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology, Wind Energy Technology, Automotive Technology, Diesel and Electrical Lineworker will be prioritized. These high-demand programs are being supported by current capital improvement projects including the matching Harlingen EDC funds.
Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region.
Since 2019, RSTEF has awarded $9.4 million dollars to programs across Rio South Texas Region. That $9.4 million has been leveraged up to $18.8 million by matching funds. So far 26 programs have been awarded at institutions such as UTRGV, Texas A&M, Texas A&M International, Laredo College, South Texas College, TSTC, Texas Southmost College, Valley Grande Institute, and Imaginarium of South Texas.
This year RSTEF was able to award $2.9 million to 13 initiatives that will advance postsecondary education and workforce development in the region having an impact of $5.8 million in the Rio South Texas Region.
RSTEF Board of Directors includes Mr. Keith Partridge, Mr. James Moore, Mr. Jimmy Notzon, Dr. Miguel Nevarez, Dr. Kelly Nassour, Dr. Joel Solis, Mr. Walter Reyna, Mr. David Oliveira, and Mr. Frank Almaraz.
RSTEF’s funding cycle opens July 1st and closes August 31st. To inquire about RSTEF and funding support contact info@riosouthtexasecdf.org. Follow us on Facebook at Rio South Texas ECDF.
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