Lumina Foundation, in partnership with the Kresge Foundation, has designated the Rio Grande Valley as a Talent Hub, granting $275,000 to support local efforts to increase education beyond high school.

The Talent Hub designation indicates a community has shown the capacity and ability to significantly increase the numbers of residents with college degrees, certificates or other credentials beyond a high school diploma.

South Texas College, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, RGV FOCUS, and Texas Southmost College are postsecondary partners of the Talent Hub and will focus on increasing degree completion for students in the area.

Talent Hub cities focus on raising the nation’s overall post-high school attainment level to 60 percent of working-age adults by 2025: 18- to 22-year-olds students; older adults with college experience who stopped before finishing their studies, or adults with no formal education beyond high school.

Distribution of local funding takes place over a 31-month period. Money will support local endeavors to educate more people, allowing community and education leaders to meet with the needs of the region.