The Mission Economic Development Corporation has awarded nearly $1.5 million in financial aid to 872 students from the City of Mission through a scholarship fund it established with South Texas College 10 years ago. This year alone, a record-breaking number of students applied for the Mission Economic Development Authority Scholarship Fund. Of the more than 300 applicants, nearly 64 percent received aid. “We have been able to invest in our…
The International Museum of Art & Science was buzzing with excitement and a full house of talented IMAS member artists and guests recently at the grand opening of the third annual Members’ Juried Art Show. Johanna Villarreal received Best in Show, the top award for the juried show, for her oil on canvas, Ugly. Other awards include Gerardo Medina – Second Place (Guardian Angel, Does This Day Have to End?),…
On the heels of being ranked the No. 1 university in Texas for 2023-2024 by Washington Monthly, UTRGV now has earned top rankings by Hispanic Outlook on Higher Education Magazine in several categories. The Hispanic Outlook will release the rankings in the annual “Hispanic Outlook Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics” edition, which features UTRGV as its cover story. In the Top 100 Rankings Second in the Top 100…
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and City of Edinburg are now accepting float applications for the annual Night of Lights Parade on Dec. 1 in Downtown Edinburg. Application deadline is Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Workshop,” inspiring the imaginations of children. Organizers are asking parade applicants to decorate “in the theme of your favorite children’s toy’s, games or workshop. In true holiday spirit, we ask…
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…
Domain Development has announced its latest venture in Sharyland, Shary Town Plaza. The shopping center spans over 24,000 square feet, housed within two buildings. Situated across the street from La Fogata and the Mission Event Center, Domain Development considers this high-traffic area “the perfect place” to plant its next commercial development. This specific location is shadow-anchored by various high-traffic retailers such as HEB, Ross, Target, Home Depot and other highly…
The Port of Brownsville’s Cargo Dock 3 reconstruction project has secured an $11.5 million grant under the Texas Department of Transportation‘s new Maritime Infrastructure Program. On Sept. 28, the Texas Transportation Commission approved a historic $240 million in funding for Texas ports to help increase trade, improve safety, and provide a more robust supply chain for the state and the nation. The Port of Brownsville’s Cargo Dock 3 project is…
The DHR Health Institute for Research and Development announced has launched a clinical trial that will evaluate the use of mobile phone-based eye-tracking software as a diagnostic tool for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Senseye software looks to revolutionize the way in which healthcare providers and patients diagnose and manage mental health conditions. If Senseye meets FDA approval, it would diagnose PTSD through eye movements, without the need to conduct…