RSTEF Invests More Than $2.2 Million to Strengthen the Rio South Texas Workforce

Foundation’s investment in regional talent development reaches $11.6 million since 2019

The Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) has awarded more than $2.2 million to six community organizations in 2026, further advancing skilled talent development as a key driver of economic growth across the Rio South Texas Region.

The grants will support postsecondary education, workforce development and specialized training initiatives. Funded efforts include scholarships for students from low-income families nearing graduation, internships in construction sciences, job-training programs and equipment upgrades designed to expand program capacity.

With matching funds, this year’s awards could generate a combined investment of up to $4.4 million in regional talent development. The funded programs have the potential to serve as many as 815 participants pursuing postsecondary degrees, industry credentials or technical certifications.

Building specialized talent in construction, HVAC and STEM

The selected programs prepare participants for careers in fields that are strategically important to the regional economy, including construction, physical therapy, dental services, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical trades and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

By investing in these areas, RSTEF seeks to help students and workers overcome barriers to completing their education, developing practical skills and earning credentials aligned with regional workforce needs.

The six recipients of RSTEF’s 2026 funding round are:

• Texas Southmost College Foundation
• South Texas College Foundation
• The PossAble Dream Foundation
• Noble Charities Foundation
• Lindenwood Education System
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Through this funding model, RSTEF connects education and training with employment opportunities throughout Rio South Texas. The long-term goal is to cultivate a highly capable workforce that can meet the evolving needs of regional industries and specialized service sectors.

$11.6 million awarded since 2019

The 2026 awards build on RSTEF’s continued commitment to strengthening human capital across Rio South Texas.

Since 2019, the foundation has awarded $11.6 million to 41 regional programs. Through matching-fund mechanisms, these investments have helped leverage up to an additional $23.2 million in support.

This approach multiplies the impact of private funding by directing resources toward programs that produce meaningful outcomes in education, professional certification, workforce readiness and employability.

RSTEF’s application period for new projects is open annually from July 1 through August 31. Organizations interested in the 2027 funding cycle may request additional information about available funding opportunities and requirements.

Rio South Texas Region: One Region. Two Countries. One Future.