The International Museum of Art & Science has received a Cultural District Project grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts for Destination McAllen: Art, Culture, IMAS. The IMAS is partnering with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and Decibel Communications to promote the McAllen Cultural District across the state of Texas. IMAS is currently requesting proposals for a public art project through Nov. 7. Artists may submit proposals for a…
Every month, VBR publishes a story about a current Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement participant or one who has already earned a certificate or degree, altering the trajectory of his or her life. This month, we feature Rhonda Diaz, who will graduate from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in December with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. “Before VIDA, I was attending college part time; with VIDA’s…
McAllen Public Utility is hosting a its first-ever “Grateful for Water” art contest. The competition, open to ninth through 12th grade students who are McAllen residents, should depict artwork that shows the way water enriches their lives. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Nov. 15. “Students are being asked to create an original piece of art, that demonstrates their gratitude for water,” said Katia Sanchez, MPU education coordinator.…
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement has received an anonymous donation of $200,000, allowing VIDA to further its impact and continue its work in enhancing career pathways for low-income students. The anonymous donor’s generosity reflects a deep commitment to making investments in today’s students. The $200,000 donation will be instrumental in supporting VIDA’s ongoing programs and initiatives. VIDA has a long history of empowering underserved residents within our region with…
UTRGV Health Services recently donated 20 pallets worth of personal protective equipment to Palm Valley Animal Society. The PPE includes disposable gowns, face shields, N95 particulate respirators and hand sanitation wipes. The donation also includes gallons of vital oxide, which Palm Valley can use as disinfectant cleaner, mold and mildew killer and odor eliminator. “We are so thankful to UTRGV for being lifesavers,” said Adriana Gonzales, a member of the…
The International Museum of Art & Science is the first recipient of a $5,000 grant from the South Texas Chapter of the Corning Incorporated Foundation. Corning Connects will provide an opportunity for underserved school children from South Texas to visit the IMAS for transformative field experiences at the museum. With the support of Corning, student groups from area schools can visit at no cost for an IMAS educator-led, hands-on visit…
UTRGV has been granted accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Dance for its dance program, meaning its Dance Department has met the highest standards in providing dance students educational services. The accreditation also means the department officially meets national standards for schools of dance set by professionals and experts in the field. The decision was came from the organization’s commission, which is comprised of elected peer representatives of…
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation recently announced major developments in the City of Edinburg’s North Industrial Park, particularly within RGV CDL – Lot 7B and Lot 9, highlighting growth and job creation in the region. Shaping the Future of Commercial Truck Driving Aldo Ivan Ortiz, owner of RGV CDL, has made a substantial investment in Edinburg’s North Industrial Park by purchasing three acres of land to develop a training facility…
Quinta Mazatlan is inviting the public to join them in celebrating Native Plant Month by participating in the Native Garden Contest. People across the Rio Grande Valley may submit entries as a way to encourage and inspire others to use native plants in their spaces, whether in pots, yards or for entire landscaping projects. Anyone who has put effort into adding native plants to their space are welcome to submit…
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation recently won two excellence awards at the International Economic Development Council annual conference in Dallas. This is the third consecutive year BCIC has received recognition from IEDC. BCIC received the Gold Award for Partnerships with Educational Institutions and the Bronze Award for Best Use of Federal Economic Development Resources, highlighting the organization’s commitment to improving the economic landscape and overall quality of life in the…