Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
The Texas Bar Foundation has awarded a grant to the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco to support its efforts in addressing juvenile delinquency and engaging at-risk youth through nature-based education. The initiative aims to inspire students through hands-on STEM learning and environmental projects, developed in collaboration with Weslaco Independent School District.
This funding will help expand the Center’s programming, using the outdoors as a dynamic classroom to encourage school retention, spark interest in new subjects, and introduce students to potential career pathways.
“The Valley Nature Center is a pillar in our community, collaborating with educators to bridge learning gaps and create meaningful opportunities for students to give back while learning,” said Josefina Ledesma, an educator at Weslaco East High School.
Executive Director Hollie Johnston expressed her enthusiasm for the grant’s impact: “We are deeply grateful to the Texas Bar Foundation for their generous support. This funding enables us to expand our programs for both youth and adults, providing them with valuable experiences, educational credits, and the skills necessary to achieve their goals. Thank you for investing in education, opportunity, and the future of our community!”
Founded in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation is the largest charitably funded bar foundation in the nation. To date, it has awarded over $29 million in grants to support projects that strengthen the rule of law, promote legal ethics, support underserved populations, and foster legal education throughout the state of Texas.
The Valley Nature Center provides educational opportunities that promote understanding and appreciation of the unique flora and fauna of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The Center is committed to serving local children, families, and preserving native habitats, with the vision that every child can thrive in a healthy, natural environment.
