Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement - VIDA

10/09/2026

In observance of Columbus Day, our office will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and wonderful weekend!

10/09/2026

🎃 SPOOKY SEASON IS HERE! 🎃

Don’t let tuition scare you!

Already have your tuition covered through financial aid? You may still qualify for additional VIDA funding this semester!

Don’t miss out! Visit vidacareers.org to learn more and apply, or contact your VIDA Intake Specialist for help.

Funding is subject to eligibility requirements and availability. 👻

10/05/2026

🚨 TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE! 🚨

Your voice matters, and your vote is an important part of our community. Make sure you’re registered and ready for Election Day.

Register today and make your voice heard!

Learn more and check your registration at https://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/index.html

10/05/2026

Meet Neida Perales — VIDA’s 2026 Graduate of the Year! 💙

Neida’s journey is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when determination meets opportunity. Through her experience with VIDA, she worked toward her education and career goals while receiving the support and guidance she needed along the way.

In her own words, Neida shares what her VIDA journey has meant to her and how the experience has helped shape her future.

We’re so proud to celebrate Neida and all that she has accomplished. Her story is one of perseverance, growth, and believing in what’s possible.

Congratulations, Neida! We’re excited to see where your journey takes you next. ✨

10/01/2026

One room filled with people who believe in what’s possible. 💙

The VIDA Gala was a celebration of our students, our supporters, and everyone helping turn education into opportunity.

10/01/2026

What an incredible night! 💙✨

We are beyond grateful to our community, sponsors, partners, supporters, and friends who helped make VIDA’s 31st Anniversary Gala such a memorable celebration.

For 31 years, VIDA has been committed to investing in the talent, dreams, and potential of Rio Grande Valley residents. This work is only possible because of a community that believes in our mission and continues to stand alongside our students and graduates.

A very special thank you to our keynote speaker, Dr. Miguel A. Cardona, 12th U.S. Secretary of Education, for joining us and sharing his inspiring message with our community. We are honored to have had you celebrate this milestone with us! 💙

And to our incredible sponsors, thank you for believing in VIDA and investing in the future of the Rio Grande Valley:

A huge thank you to Lone Star National Bank for being our Visionary Sponsor for the evening and for their incredible support of VIDA’s mission!

We are also deeply grateful to:

Cantu Construction • City of Pharr • Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages • Texas Digestive Specialists • South Texas College • South Texas Health System • Methodist Healthcare Ministries • Mayor Villalobos • RGV College • The PossAble Dream Foundation • Judge Richard Cortez • Pharr EDC • IBC BANK • LFD Home Furnishings • Intently Be • AVANCE • Goodwill of South Texas • Weslaco EDC • Carr, Riggs & Ingram • I&B Welding Steel Erectors LLC • Conzepto Magazine • Decibel Communications • Trillavision • SOCIALIFE • Philippine American Chamber and many other community members that joined us.

Your generosity and partnership help VIDA create opportunities that change lives and strengthen our entire community.

To everyone who celebrated with us, supported our students, shared our mission, and continues to believe in the power of RGV talent — thank you. This milestone belongs to all of us. 💙

Here’s to 31 years of impact and to the many more lives we’ll transform together! 🎓✨

10/01/2026