Institution Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) State Texas Academic Level Community-Based Organization Issue Area Support Services Website https://www.vidacareers.org/ Key Personnel Irma Garcia Program Focus Career/Workforce Overview The mission of the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is to empower Rio Grande Valley (RGV) residents to achieve economic prosperity through market-driven training, resources, and career pathways. VIDA serves low-income adults from Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy counties in South Texas, representing the most vulnerable demographics in the region. These individuals face a multitude of barriers to higher education completion, which VIDA aims to address through customized support services and intensive case management. The continued goal is to impact sustainable economic growth in the region by educating one VIDA (life) at a time. The program aims to achieve 90% or higher training persistence rates annually, maintain credentialing rates of 85% or higher over three years, and facilitate a wage increase of 150% or higher from pre-VIDA enrollment to post-VIDA completion for non-traditional Latino students. Program Description Throughout the 1990s, the RGV faced significant economic challenges due to foreign competition leading to textile plant closures and layoffs. In response, VIDA was founded in October 1995 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to address high unemployment and workforce skills gaps. With a per capita income of $6.35 per hour, the region struggled as unemployment rose, impacting families and the community. VIDA adopts a holistic, worker-centered approach, providing wraparound services to support each student's success and employment. Participants undergo skills assessments, receive tailored academic advice and career counseling, and are connected with suitable career pathways. They also receive financial assistance and soft skills training to overcome barriers to higher education. Job placement assistance and follow-up support are provided, with employment tracking for three years post-graduation. Outcome Over the past three years, VIDA has provided assistance to Latino students, many of whom are first-generation college students and adult learners. The program's comprehensive wraparound support services address economic and social barriers, leading to high persistence rates among participants. In 2022-2023, 96% of the students served in the program were Latino. Key Achievements:2023: Assisted 603 Latinos in pursuing a higher education; 84% were first-generation college students and 56% were adult learners (25 years or older).2022: Assisted 523 Latinos in pursuing a higher education; 81% were first-generation college students and 59% were adult learners. Achieved a 94% persistence rate compared to South Texas College's 51%.2021: Assisted 451 Latinos in pursuing a higher education; 80% were first-generation college students and 57% were adult learners. Achieved a 93% persistence rate compared to South Texas College's 60%.VIDA's program has been recognized by The Institute of College Access and Success (TICAS) as one of the nation's evidence-based college completion programs impacting public four-year institutions. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Texas Return to Growing What Works Database
