My deep connection to Texas and my commitment to Trellis Foundation’s mission both stem from my family’s experience as migrant farm workers in South Texas. My father was born in Monte Alto while my grandparents worked in the fields and sheltered their young family in a canvas-covered wagon. The entire family worked to put my father and his siblings through college, and education was the key to achieving our American Dream.
My grandparents’ sacrifice and dedication to ensuring a better life for their children and grandchildren are shared by other families in the region, then and now. Since my family lived and worked in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), the region has garnered recognition at both the state and national levels for its innovative approaches and collaborative efforts to enhance access to postsecondary education.
Recently, Trellis Foundation organized a learning visit to strengthen partnerships within the community and identify ways to bolster higher education and workforce development in the region. Our goals were to:
- Build a shared understanding of the education and workforce ecosystems in the RGV.
- Strengthen relationships with regional partners.
- Identify collaboration and investment opportunities.
- Capture valuable insights, stories, and promising practices to shape future strategies.
Over three days in April, the Trellis Foundation team, alongside our Board Chair and Brownsville local Alma Garcia, connected with approximately 60 individuals from more than 20 organizations. Our planning partners for this initiative were Dr. Daniel King and his dedicated team at Region One ESC. With their help, we organized a meaningful Lunch & Learn event for over 30 community leaders to discuss higher education challenges and the opportunities ahead.
In addition to the discussions at the Lunch & Learn, the team conducted site visits across Cameron and Hidalgo counties:
- The PossAble Dream Adult High School in Pharr, TX
- Cameron County Education Initiative in Brownsville, TX
- Valley Initiative for Development & Advancement (VIDA) in Mercedes, TX
- South Texas College Pecan Campus in McAllen, TX
These visits allowed us to gain firsthand insights into the innovative work being done within the community and to identify best practices that could inform our strategy moving forward.
The learning visit to the Rio Grande Valley was a profound experience, highlighting the rich potential for enhancing educational access and workforce development in the region. We look forward to continuing our partnerships and building upon the insights gained during this trip as we work together to support the community’s growth and success.
Stay tuned for more updates as we put these insights into action!