Category Archives: Community

Four Local School Systems Awarded $1.9 Million Combined

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
Community Partnerships Grant

Mercedes ISD, Progreso ISD, Santa Rosa ISD and Vanguard Academy recently received a combined $1,940,000 in state funding through the Texas Education Agency’s Community Partnerships Grant. According to TEA, the funding supports significant improvements in educational and developmental outcomes for children by expanding access to wraparound services, strengthening family and community partnerships, and increasing access to academic supports. “Communities will soon have access to local and regional resources that will…

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RGV Startup Week Announces Lineup

Business Advice Community e-Brief Features News Comments
RGV Startup Week

RGV Startup Week has announced its lineup, featuring six flagship programs scheduled across the week of April 24 through May 2, with events hosted in Brownsville and partner cities throughout the Rio Grande Valley. More premiere events will be announced. In addition, dozens of panels, workshops, networking sessions, and community-driven programming will be held throughout the week across Brownsville and partner cities. Keynote: Ramón Soler Mallet, Commercial Director of Dr.…

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TWC Announces Adult Diploma Workforce Program

Community e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments
diploma completion

The Texas Workforce Commission is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a…

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Free STEAM Learning Coming to RGV’s Youngest Minds

Community News Comments
IMAS

The International Museum of Art & Science has received a grant from the PNC Foundation, allowing the museum to bring hands-on STEAM learning experiences directly to young community members at no cost to their families. The grant recognizes the museum’s commitment to providing unique, educational experiences for preschool-aged children and their families. This milestone investment culminates in two initiatives: the ongoing Young Adventurers STEAM workshop series and PNC Adventure Day,…

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Film Commission Designates Mercedes as Film Friendly

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
Mercedes

The Texas Film Commission has designated the City of Mercedes as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step training and certification process. “Congratulations to Mercedes on joining more than 200 Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The Texas Film Commission partners with communities in every region of the state to market their unique appeal and attract new investments in media production. Through ongoing Film…

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Park Brings Nature To City’s Backyard

Community News Recreation & Tourism Comments
A pedestrian walkway makes its way through lush native flora at the Olmito Nature Park.

Joey Lopez took office in 2019 as Cameron County’s Precinct 2 commissioner.  He took office with $500,000 for park development as made available from a successful 2012 bond vote. The funds, Lopez said, were just sitting there and not being utilized in his northwest county precinct.  Lopez began scouting for landowners who could donate tracts of land to the county for park development. The county commissioner set his focus on…

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A&M Trees Grant Plants Awareness 

Community News Comments
Parents and children gather around Alan Williams of Region One as prepares to plant a tree at a San Benito city park. (Courtesy)

Alan Williams works with cities and schools in developing native habitats and will cut to the chase and ask local leaders what they’re willing to invest in green spaces.  “Something I’ve talked to city managers and parks directors about is to be honest with ourselves and look at the time public works departments spend on tree care,” said Williams, who is the landscaping and gardening director for the Region One…

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Event Inspires Girls To Dream Big

Education News Comments
Fifth grade girls in La Joya recently gathered to attend an event encouraging them to look into careers in STEM fields. (Courtesy)

Educators and community leaders across the country are working to encourage young girls to explore opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematic fields. The acronym for these fields is known as STEM and it is in these fields where women have historically been underrepresented. Nationally, women make up only about 28 percent of the STEM workforce. This underrepresentation is most pronounced in engineering and computer science and highlights the…

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Pharr Honors Women’s Leadership and Impact

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

The City of Pharr recently recognized International Women’s Day with its annual Women’s Day Celebration, embracing this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” and honoring the invaluable contributions of women across the city and community. The celebration began with a meaningful act of service, as City of Pharr employees donated women’s clothing to support members of the local community. This initiative reflected the spirit of giving and unity that continues to define…

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Space & Commerce Take Flight In City

Community News Comments
Cyclists in Brownsville are making the city a go-to place for their fitness hobby with the establishment to hike-and-bike trails throughout the community. (Courtesy)

Nathan Burkhart in his six-year tenure at the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation was on the ground floor of the beginnings of the space industry coming to his hometown. He served as the vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation at BCIC and became familiar with the leadership of SpaceX and its Starbase on Boca Chica Beach. It was during his BCIC tenure that he also met business owners and executives from…

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