RSTEF Awards $2.2 Million to 2026 Postsecondary and Workforce Programs

Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation is pleased to announce it has awarded over $2.2 million to community partners in 2026. Initiatives include last-mile scholarships to students of low-income families, college internships in construction science, workforce training, and updating training equipment to increase program capacity.

This year’s awards represent a $4.4 million investment in workforce development for the Rio South Texas Region with a potential to assist 815 participants get a postsecondary degree or trade certification. Among the job sectors supported are Construction, Physical Therapy, Dental, HVAC, Electrical, and STEM.

The 2026 awardees include the following:

1. Texas Southmost College Foundation 
2. South Texas College Foundation
3. The PossAble Dream Foundation
4. Noble Charities Foundation
5. Lindenwood Education System (dba South Texas Vocational Institute)
6. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley RSTEF Graduate Endowment Scholarship

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.  

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.

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 1^st and closes August 31^st. To inquire about RSTEF and funding support, contact info@rstef.org. Follow us on Facebook at Rio South Texas ECDF.