Texas Border Business
Rio-South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) recently awarded $2.4 million in grants during its Annual Awards Ceremony. The grants were for postsecondary workforce development programs.
In conjunction with local partners, Workforce Solutions received $25,000 for its LEAD Internship Initiative.
LEAD Internship Initiative is a collaboration between UTRGV, RGV Focus, and Workforce Solutions to provide paid internship opportunities for 23 students. The program is designed to bridge the gap between employers and students by engaging them in meaningful paid work experience and identifying potential future employees possessing the skills to excel within their organizations.
“We are so pleased to award these grants to the many deserving organizations working to encourage and support South Texas’s workforce through education,” said Adam Gonzalez, CEO of RSTEF. “As the Valley continues to grow, it is more important than ever that our workforce keep up with ever-increasing demands. We are proud to be the organization facilitating this progress and helping keep South Texas competitive.”
Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development 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 increase 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, thus improving the region’s economic conditions and quality of life.
This year’s $2.4 million allocations bring the organization’s total investment in the Rio-South Texas region to just over $7.5 million since 2020.
RSTEF’s funding cycle opens on July 1 and closes on August 31. To inquire about RSTEF and funding support, contact info@riosouthtexasecdf.org, and follow on Facebook at Rio South Texas ECDF.
