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 in early 2025 and continuing through 2026, allowing VIDA to offer essential support services to hundreds of low-income adults in the Rio Grande Valley as they pursue degrees and certifications in high-demand fields.

The grant comes at a crucial time when VIDA’s impact metrics demonstrate remarkable success – participants typically experience a 300% increase in annual earnings upon program completion, with every dollar invested generating a $15.69 community return on investment.

“This grant represents more than funding – it’s an investment in transforming lives and strengthening our regional economy,” said Felida Villarreal, President & CEO of VIDA. “With the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s support, we’ll expand our proven model of combining intensive career training with comprehensive support services, ensuring participants not only complete their education but secure sustainable, high-wage employment.”

The funding will support VIDA’s comprehensive approach, including:

– Financial assistance for education and training

– Intensive case management services

– Career pathway development

– Job placement assistance

– Support services to overcome barriers to completion

Through strategic partnerships with local employers, higher education institutions, and community organizations, VIDA’s programs directly address critical workforce gaps in:

– Healthcare

– STEM fields

– Finance/Accounting

– Advanced Manufacturing

– Skilled Trades

The Texas Innovative Adult Career Education (ACE) Grant Program, administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, supports efforts to prepare veterans and low-income students to enter careers in high demand and significantly higher-earning occupations, advancing the state’s strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas . The ACE Grant Program awarded 5 grants totaling over 3 million dollars to 5 non-profit organizations with the potential to impact over 1,100 students.

About VIDA
Founded in 1995, VIDA is a nationally recognized workforce development organization that has revolutionized economic mobility in the Rio Grande Valley. Through education, training, and comprehensive support services, VIDA transforms lives and strengthens the regional economy by preparing participants for high-skill, high-wage careers. For more information, visit vidacareers.org.

About the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board serves as a catalyst for excellence in higher education. Working in partnership with legislators, businesses, and educational institutions, the Board ensures alignment between higher education goals and the state’s economic needs through the strategic plan, Building a Talent Strong Texas.