Creating Opportunities That Transcend: RSTEF and COSTEP Drive Higher Education and Economic Development in Rio South Texas Region

The Rio-South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) is a nonprofit organization with a legacy of more than 50 years dedicated to advancing education and economic development in the Rio South Texas region, encompassing its seven counties: Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb.

Founded in 1974 as a secondary market authority for student loans in higher education, RSTEF has played a key role in providing access to academic and professional opportunities for countless students and their families.

For over 45 years, RSTEF has served the Region by helping hundreds of thousands of students and their families achieve the dream of higher education, providing billions in low-cost financing and allocating millions of dollars in scholarships. At one point, the organization served more than 45% of the students pursuing higher education in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas.

As part of its commitment to economic growth and workforce development, RSTEF collaborates with the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP). This alliance strengthens the connection between education and employment, ensuring that students have access to well-paying job opportunities in the region.

“Our goal is clear: to develop a highly skilled workforce in the Rio South Texas region. Through these programs, we provide students and workers with the necessary tools to secure high-paying jobs and build successful careers. Additionally, our efforts fuel the region’s economic growth by ensuring that businesses have access to qualified local talent,” explained Adam González, CEO of RSTEF and COSTEP.

For the region to reach its full potential, strategic investments and a highly trained workforce are essential. In Rio South Texas, this vision is being realized through the collaboration between RSTEF and COSTEP—two organizations committed to the region’s economic and social development.

RSTEF and COSTEP work in synergy to strengthen the economic and social growth of the Rio South Texas region, focusing on two fundamental pillars: workforce development and investment attraction. While RSTEF provides financial support to organizations and educational institutions that promote workforce training and elevate the educational level of local residents, COSTEP positions the region as a competitive destination for high-value industries and fosters economic expansion.

This strategic collaboration not only establishes the region as a hub for innovation and opportunity but also ensures that businesses can find the talent they need to thrive.

Commitment to Education and Workforce Development

Since its renewal in 2019, RSTEF has invested $9.4 million in programs throughout the region, generating a total impact of $18.8 million across 26 educational and workforce training initiatives. These investments have benefited institutions such as:

• University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
• Texas A&M University
• Laredo College
• South Texas College
• Texas State Technical College (TSTC)
• Texas Southmost College
• Valley Grande Institute

So far this year, the foundation has awarded $2.9 million, leveraging additional funding to generate a total impact of $5.8 million.

Key Programs Funded by RSTEF

RSTEF has supported a variety of initiatives focused on talent development in strategic sectors, including:

1. Advanced Industrial Robotics
2. Academic Credit Recovery Programs
3. Biomedical Equipment Grants
4. Career Pathways in Healthcare
5. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Mentorship Programs
6. Healthcare Apprenticeship Programs
7. Teacher Training Initiatives
8. Registered Nursing Programs
9. Medical Career Training and Apprenticeships
10. 10.Scholarships for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs
11. 11.Career Pathways and Support Services
12. 12.Graduate Scholarships for students in Computer Engineering, Construction Science, and Banking Academy Programs

RSTEF plays a vital role in developing a highly skilled workforce in Rio South Texas by providing access to educational and professional opportunities that drive the region’s economic growth.

Its commitment to education and economic progress remains a key factor in shaping a brighter future for thousands of students and workers.