Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) has awarded The PossAble Dream Foundation $88,656 for postsecondary education and workforce development.
In 2026, RSTEF partnered with The PossAble Dream Foundation (TPDF) to invest in Diplomas & Careers: A Second Chance for South Texas Adults. RSTEF funds will be used for outreach, tuition support, credential training, wraparound services, and stipends. These funds will support training at Texas Southmost College and TSTC Harlingen. TPDF is 501c3 nonprofit organization established in 2025. It seeks to fund and support the PossAble Dream Adult High School, a TEA-authorized Subchapter G Adult Charter School. TPDF is requesting funding from RSTEF to provide 30 adults ages 18-50 with an opportunity to earn both a TEA-recognized diploma and an industry-based credential in high-demand trades.
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 attainment 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 $11.6 million dollars to programs across the Rio South Texas Region. This $11.6 million has been leveraged, resulting in up to $23.2 million for program funding through matching funds. So far 41 programs have been awarded at institutions such as UT-Rio Grande Valley, Texas A&M, Texas A&M International University, Laredo College, South Texas College, Texas State Technical College, Texas Southmost College, Cameron County Education Initiative, and Imaginarium of South Texas.
RSTEF Board of Directors includes Mr. James Moore, Mr. Jimmy Notzon, Dr. Miguel Nevarez, 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@rstef.org. Follow us on Facebook at Rio South Texas ECDF.
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