Enhancing Education and Workforce in South Texas: $2.4 Million Allocation

South Texas - The Regional South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) has allocated $2.4 million through various programs aimed at education and workforce development for the year 2024.

The funds have been directed towards foundations and educational institutions such as Laredo Community College, Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board, South Texas College Education Foundation, Texas A&M International University, TSTC Foundation, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as well as Valley Grande Institute.

Adam González, CEO of RSTEF, emphasized the significance of these resources in providing young students with new professional tools and better employment opportunities. Initiatives span across industrial, commercial, goods, and service sectors with high demand in the region. "Each of the projects recognized today is part of a growth strategy for the entire region. We will always promote the development of skilled professionals."

Keith Patridge, chairman of the RSTEF board, acknowledged the participation of each foundation, university, and educational center that applied for funding this year. Upon receiving the checks, beneficiaries shared success stories and their expectations with these grants.

SUCCESSFUL CONTRIBUTIONS

Rafael Tapia, scholarship manager at RSTEF, highlighted that approximately $1.3 million of the funds distributed correspond to new educational programs, while the rest is allocated to supporting the growth of recent graduates through scholarships, aiming to advance their careers and obtain licenses, certifications, or master's degrees. "One of the objectives of our foundation is to promote growth opportunities in all sectors. We invite organizations to apply from July 2024 with their projects. We select those with the greatest impact on the creation of professionals and incentivize the acquisition of certifications."

Criteria for awarding scholarships include the economic benefit professionals will receive in their careers, as well as the potential impact projects may have on attracting new investments.