Your Journey Begins at VIDA

It's Your Time

Your Journey Begins at VIDA

Your Dream Career

It’s Your Time

Start Your Journey

APPLY NOW

Make a Donation

For every $1.00 invested in VIDA, there is a return of $15.69 to the communities served.

Our Programs have a 91% Persistence Rate.

Average hourly wage PRE-VIDA: $5.37. Average hourly wage POST-VIDA: $25.43.

THE RESULTS ARE IN

VIDA is one of only NINE programs in the nation chosen for a rigorous PACE (Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education) evaluation!

vida_implementation_early_report_final_cover

Latest News

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. Awards $100,000 to VIDA to Support Low-Income Learners in Nursing and Allied Health Career Pathways

by VIDA | March 25, 2025 | Press Release | 0 Comments

Mercedes, Texas (March 25, 2025)- Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) to support low-income students pursuing careers in nursing and allied health....

VIDA Secures $604,000 Texas ACE Grant to Transform Workforce Development in Rio Grande Valley

by VIDA | February 18, 2025 | Press Release | 0 Comments

Mercedes, Texas (February 18, 2025)- Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) has been awarded a $604,000 Texas Innovative Adult Career Education (ACE) Grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This award will fund activities beginning...

Dad Changes Life Thanks to Daughter & VIDA

by VIDA | January 24, 2025 | Featured Article | 0 Comments

Article By: Chris Ardis According to the United States Census Bureau QuickFacts 2018-2022, in the four-county region of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties, an average of 67 percent of adults over the age of 25 hold a high-school diploma. A paltry average of...

VIDA Awarded $800,000 Grant from Ascendium Education Group to Participate in National Randomized Controlled Trial

by VIDA | December 18, 2024 | Press Release | 0 Comments

Mercedes, Texas— Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) has been awarded an $800,000 grant from Ascendium Education Group to participate in a prestigious national randomized controlled trial (RCT) which began in July 2024. This highly competitive...

Anonymous Donor Gifts VIDA $400,000 to Fuel Its Mission

by VIDA | November 26, 2024 | Press Release | 0 Comments

Mercedes, Texas (November 26, 2024)— Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is thrilled to announce a generous and anonymous donation of $400,000 to be disbursed over a two-year period. This substantial contribution allows VIDA to further its impact...

VIDA Receives $620,000 Grant from FHI 360 to Empower Justice-Impacted Youth in the Rio Grande Valley

by VIDA | November 7, 2024 | Press Release | 0 Comments

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) proudly announces a $620,000 grant from FHI 360’s Compass Rose Collaborative (CRC), funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. This substantial award supports VIDA’s mission to provide education, job readiness, and...

VIDA Receives $350,000 from Texas Talent Connection Grant

by VIDA | November 4, 2024 | Press Release | 0 Comments

Mercedes, Texas (October 31, 2024) ---VIDA (Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement) is thrilled to announce the award of a $350,000 Texas Talent Connection grant, part of a $6.3 million workforce development initiative funded through the Texas Workforce...

Celebrating a Milestone: VIDA Serves 746 Participants in FY 2023-2024!

by VIDA | November 4, 2024 | Blog | 0 Comments

We’re excited to announce that VIDA has reached an incredible milestone—serving 746 participants in the fiscal year 2023-2024. This achievement is not just a number; it represents the collective power and dedication of our entire community. From our dedicated board...

VIDA Secures $100,000 from The Meadows Foundation to Support Growth of Nursing and Allied Health Careers in the Rio Grande Valley

by VIDA | October 9, 2024 | Press Release | 0 Comments

Mercedes, Texas (October 10, 2024)— Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is proud to announce it has received a generous $100,000 grant from The Meadows Foundation to enhance its nursing and health professional programs in the Rio Grande Valley....

VIDA Receives $7,500 Donation from Land O’Lakes Community Impact Council to Fuel Its Mission

by VIDA | October 9, 2024 | Press Release | 0 Comments

Mercedes, Texas (October 9, 2024)— Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $7,500 general operations donation from the Land O’Lakes Community Impact Council. This one-time grant will support VIDA’s continued...