Texas Border Business
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. The 2025 awardees are as follows:
- Texas Southmost College Foundation CTE Pipeline Scholarship Program
- Texas Southmost College Foundation Graduation Pathway Scholarship Program
- Texas State Technical College Foundation RSTEF Endowment Scholarship Fund
- South Texas College Foundation STC Promise Programs
- VIDA Careers Pathways and Supportive Services
- Cameron County Education Initiative Medical Careers Training & Apprenticeship
- VAMOS Expanding Access to Higher Education
- Region One ESC Preparing and Certifying Educators (PACE) Program
- Teach for America Teacher Training Pathway in the RGV
- Texas A&M Foundation TAMU Nursing: Increasing Registered Nurses in the RGV
- Texas A&M International University Alumni Association TAMIU Banking Academy Endowment
- Imaginarium of South Texas Homework Assistance Program
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley RSTEF Graduate Endowment Scholarship
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.
