Texas Border Business
Edinburg/McAllen, Texas – Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS) is proud to host its 30th Annual VAMOS Scholarship Banquet, a celebration honoring outstanding students from the Rio Grande Valley who have been selected to receive a four-year renewable scholarship. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance.
This year, VAMOS will award a record $1 million in four-year renewable scholarships, representing a significant investment in the future of higher education and workforce development in the Rio Grande Valley.
The banquet will celebrate the accomplishments of 62 newly selected VAMOS Scholars, students whose academic excellence, leadership, perseverance, and commitment to their communities have earned them this life-changing opportunity. In addition to financial assistance, VAMOS scholarships provide mentorship, leadership development, and student support services designed to help scholars succeed in college and beyond.
Delivering this year’s keynote address is Ms. Elizabeth Diaz Gonzalez, Principal of the UTRGV – McAllen ISD Collegiate Academy. A distinguished VAMOS alumna from the Class of 1999, and a proud graduate of La Villa High School, Ms. Gonzalez has dedicated more than two decades to education and student success. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (formerly The University of Texas-Pan American) and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University.
This year, VAMOS is honored to recognize a generous $25,000 contribution from its Presenting Sponsor, Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley. The donation will be presented during the banquet and reflects Chick-fil-A’s ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunities and making a lasting impact throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
“We are incredibly grateful to Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley for their continued support and generous donation,” said Mr. Richard Cantu, President of the VAMOS Board of Directors. “Their investment in our students will have a lasting impact, by helping them achieve their educational goals and pursue brighter futures.”
About VAMOS:
This year marks a significant milestone for VAMOS as it celebrates 30 years of changing lives through education. Since its founding in 1996, VAMOS has remained steadfast in its mission to empower first-generation, low-income students through renewable scholarships, mentorship, and student success programming.
Over the past three decades, VAMOS has awarded more than $27 million in scholarships to 1,462 students, creating opportunities that have transformed not only the lives of scholars but also the future of their families and communities. This anniversary celebration honors the vision of its founders, the generosity of supporters, and the remarkable achievements of the scholars who embody the lasting impact of the VAMOS mission.
About Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley:
Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley is committed to serving the community through its restaurants and supporting local educational initiatives and programs. Its dedication to giving is demonstrated through its continued support of organizations like VAMOS and its investment in the future of the Rio Grande Valley students.
For more information about the VAMOS Scholarship Banquet or to learn how you can support VAMOS, please visit vamosscholars.org or contact Mary de León, Executive Director, at (956) 800-4085 or vamosed@vamosscholars.org.
