VIDA welcomes your interest and aspirations in wanting to become one of our participants. Our staff will work diligently with you to help you find the resources you need to go to school and we will provide you with the added financial assistance you need to succeed. However, you will need to commit to school full-time, making your training a priority.  As a participant you will be responsible for various commitments, one of them being volunteerism.  Take a virtual walk through the application process.

The first step for everyone is to attend a one to two hour orientation session. Orientations are held four times annually over a two-week period. Just call the VIDA office to choose the one that is most convenient for you.  There is no need to bring any documentation. However, as with all VIDA events, YOU MUST BE ON TIME. We close the doors after we start and you will need to go to the next orientation.

VIDA's process for entry into our program is extensive and will require your time and commitment. Our Case Managers will help you develop a Training Plan and determine whether you will be able to meet the long term commitment of going to school full-time. They will work with you to determine a career path, set goals, understand your abilities, and develop a budget.

Eligibility can be determined by the applicant by doing a self assessment during orientation.  However, after the orientation the applicant will be assigned to a Counselor at which point an interview will be scheduled.  The interview will allow the counselor to determine whether the applicant qualifies.  The following are VIDA’s eligibility criteria:

• Resident of the Rio Grande Valley
• 18 years or older
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Below federal poverty guidelines, or
• Underemployed with family responsibilities earning less than $7.50, or
• Unemployed with family responsibilities

Orientation

VIDA orientations are held four times a year and scheduled before the beginning of the fall and spring semester.  The times and dates may vary from semester to semester and around college events or testing.  If you need information on the next orientation call the VIDA office at 1800-478-1770. 

The VIDA orientation is mandatory for anyone seeking to apply for services and is really the best place to start. The orientation is usually one hour and a half long and is held in different locations, usually at a church or community center.  The orientation is designed to give applicants all the pertinent information regarding VIDA services. 

Most importantly, the VIDA orientation will cover the following topics and attendees are given the opportunity to ask questions.

• History on VIDA
• Eligibility Criteria
• Information on Training Programs being sponsored
• Information on services VIDA provides
• Participant obligation

Eligibility Criteria Requirements:

• State driver’s license with current address.
• Birth Certificate showing US citizenship.  Individuals who are non US born but are permanent residents must provide a resident alien card and, or social security card with authorization to work in the U.S.
• Utility Bill assigned to self or applicant’s husband/wife, with current address, if not married a notarized letter from head of household verifying residency.
• Current award letter for Food Stamps or TANF, if applicable.
• Proof of family responsibility must be provided and house hold contribution must be provided.

No one will be scheduled for an interview without first attending an orientation.  Anyone interested in VIDA services is scheduled for an interview with a VIDA Counselor which involves a two step process.  The first segment of the interview will evaluate the applicant’s eligibility criteria.  The applicant will be asked to show proof of eligibility and will be asked to show document and credentials.  The verification of eligibility is dependant on the applicant’s ability to provide this information.   The second phase of the interview will focus on the applicant’s training interest.  This is a critical step in the application process, and depends on the applicant providing the counselor the most accurate information regarding training and career interest, so that the counselor is able to make a clear assessment of the applicant’s needs.

Aptitude/Interest Assessments

All applicants will be asked to complete an assessment that will be used as an objective tool to assess the applicant’s aptitude and interest.

Selecting a Training Program (Degree Plan)

The point at which the applicant selects a training path is a very important step in the application process.  A well thought out training program and career plan is critical and should be completed together with the counselor.  A training program is selected from among the list of certificate and associate programs which lead to jobs in targeted demand occupations.

Financial Aid

Applicant receiving financial aid through scholarship or government must show proof during the interview.  If an applicant is not receiving financial aid she/he will be provided information on available financial aid programs.

VIDA Admissions Committee

The final step in the application process is an interview with the VIDA Admissions Committee (VAC).  The VAC is an informal interview between the applicant and a small committee made up of the Operations Manager, Department Manager and the Counselor, which serves as the applicant’s advocate during the interview.  The VAC allows members of management the opportunity to get to know the applicant and his/her training interest.  The applicant is also given the opportunity to ask whatever questions he/she may have about VIDA services.   After the interview, the VAC makes a recommendation to the Executive Director who has the final decision.  After that decision is made, the Counselor will contact the applicant to inform her/him about the decision.  

Any applicant who is denied services has a right to appeal the decision.  The appeal process is as follows:

The applicant may appear in person or submit a written statement to the VAC committee within one week of denial.  The Committee will make a decision by a majority to approve or stand by the previous decision.

If applicant is denied services for the second time the last option is to bring the matter to the Executive Director both in writing and in person within one week of the decision. The final decision will be made by the Executive Director.