The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at its launch nearly 30 years ago had to overcome the perception that it was needed in a region full of similar-named organizations. Local chambers then and now are commonly found across the Rio Grande Valley. Why would a new chamber that was then known as the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce be needed? “It was business owners in downtown McAllen who voiced the…
Four schools from McAllen ISD earned a spot among America’s Best Schools Honor Roll – a national platform for schools with strong academic achievement. The list, created by the National Center for Urban School Transformation, includes James “Nikki” Rowe High, Brown Middle School, Seguin Elementary and Thigpen-Zavala Elementary. The 2026 America’s Best Schools Honor Roll recognizes “an exceptional group of schools whose applications demonstrate strong evidence of academic success for…
South Texas College Dual Credit Programs earned national recognition after being selected to participate in a research study conducted by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. The study examined how colleges can strategically invest limited resources to sustainably scale practices that provide students with more purposeful and impactful dual enrollment experiences. Based on its findings, the research team expressed admiration for STC’s dual credit model, highlighting…
In observance of American Heart Month and to help educate the community on the importance of heart-healthy behaviors like regular physical activity and a well-balanced diet, South Texas Health System Heart will host its 12th annual Heroes with Heart 5K Walk/Run on Feb. 28 on the STHS Heart campus in McAllen. Open to the community, this year’s 5K will honor Rio Grande Valley service industry professionals who have survived and…
The McAllen Public Library invites readers of all ages to participate in the Texas America250 Reading Challenge, a statewide initiative led by the Texas State Library & Archives Commission and the Texas Center for the Book. The challenge encourages Texans to explore history, learning and service as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants may log 2,500 minutes of qualifying activities to be part of the challenge. These minutes include…
Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, in collaboration with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, will host RGV Startup Week 2026 from April 24 through May 1, with events in Brownsville and partner cities across the Rio Grande Valley. In 2025, RGV Startup Week delivered 123 hours of activities and reached 403,172 unique accounts on social media. RGV Startup Week content generated 3.56 million views, and attendees…
Registration is now open for the 42nd annual Causeway Run & Walk taking place on April 11. Thousands of runners and walkers will take on a journey across the Queen Isabella Causeway with sunrise views. The race is available as a timed 10K, as well as a timed and untimed 5K. Participants may run, walk or jog the route from the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center to the Beach Waterpark…
The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be closing nominations for its Women of Distinction Awards on Jan. 16. Nominations categories include: STEM and digital innovation, environmental and agricultural achievement, emerging leader, media and journalism, community and social leadership, justice and legal advocacy, educational innovation, healthcare champion, diversity and inclusion, and financial leadership. The awards will be presented on March 5 at the 2026 Hats Off to Women…
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation will launch a cohort of its eBridge Business Academy, a rebrand of its Blueprint Business Program, on Jan. 13. The business fundamentals course for entrepreneurs and early-stage small business owners will run through Feb. 24 and will be taught in Spanish. With more than 350 graduates to date, the program helps participants strengthen core business skills and apply practical tools to improve how they plan,…
RGV LEAD, in partnership with Career Bridge, officially launches its S3 Entrepreneurship Challenge on Jan. 14. The regional initiative focuses on providing continued support, engagement and real-world entrepreneurial learning opportunities for students across the Rio Grande Valley. The S3 Entrepreneurship Challenge Kickoff and Informational Session will take place virtually via Zoom from 8-10 a.m. This session will introduce participating school districts, students, educators and community stakeholders to the program framework,…