COSTEP Aligns Education with Industry Demand in Rio South Texas Region

Preparing the next generation of talent requires more than education, it requires alignment with real industry needs.

During the Spring 2025–2026 Building Leadership Toward College and Career Readiness Institute, organized by Region One Education Service Center (ESC) GEAR UP in collaboration with the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP), Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP, engaged directly with educators to bridge that gap.

His presentation focused on the COSTEP program of work, highlighting on-demand occupations across the Rio South Texas Region and the importance of aligning academic and training programs with the evolving needs of industry.

This type of collaboration is critical as the region continues to position itself as a competitive destination for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and international trade. By connecting educators with real-time workforce insights, Rio South Texas Region is actively building a future-ready, skilled, and binational talent pipeline.

Through initiatives like GEAR UP, national and regional leaders are working together to ensure that all students are prepared to succeed in post-secondary education and beyond, while meeting the demands of a rapidly transforming economy.

For companies looking to expand in the U.S., talent is not just available, it is being strategically developed.

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