This is Who We Are
Rio Progress is a non-profit (pending 501c3 status) based in Brownsville, Texas that looks to prepare students ready to embark on educational and career goals in the Valley and Beyond.
How It Started
"Our schools college advisor just quit and we have no one else to ask,"
At that time, the college coordinator in a local high school had left unexpectedly at the beginning of the college application season. Our first group of students came to Mrs. Martinez looking for help with the SAT and completing their scholarship applications. Our first 'Cohort' consisted of brilliant young minds from the Brownsville ISD public school system who were left hanging for a moment, and we were happy to help them up.
RioProgress started the next week in a local coffee shop, and more students joined in. They were all trying to apply to college, get scholarships, or find a job after high school. They had the opportunity to talk to educators, professionals, and resources who had traveled the same roads they hoped to take in the next stage of their lives. At that time, there was no name, website, or a building with a neon sign on it. It was only a time, place, and a group chat.
By the time our students donned their cap and gown and shook the hand of the district superintendent, we realized the impact of our help and guidance. We saw that access to more information, tutoring, and guidance led to better financial aid decisions, acceptances to prestigious schools, and an opportunity to lift other students up as they climb. Our students walked across the stage with access to six-digit scholarships and the opportunity to learn at the nation's top universities without carrying student debt past graduation.
We want more of this, so we continue to lift as we climb!
How we hope to make Progress!
We learned a lesson that year: No matter how disorienting the storm may be or the challenges in our path, we can reach greater heights and go farther as long as we work hand in hand. We learned that together, we can build a better future for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Our Mission
Our goal is to help young people of the Rio Grande Valley figure out what they want to do after high school, apply themselves to the pursuit, and provide them the tools to ensure it is a financially smart decision and a smooth transition. In other words, we want to help young people find their path and run with it.
“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings.” — Hodding Carter, Where Main Street Meets the River (Rinehart)
Our Vision
We envision a future where all Rio Grande Valley youth have access to high-quality educational mentorship and counseling services that enable them to pursue their dreams and realize their full potential. Our organization aims to be the leading nonprofit provider of such services, fostering a community of empowered and motivated youth who will go on to create positive change in their local communities and beyond.
"And so, lifting as we climb, onward and upward we go, struggling and striving, and hoping that the buds and blossoms...will burst into fruition from here on" — Mary Church Terrell
How It's Going
Now in 2024, there is no building with a lit up sign, but there is a passion to continue helping more students and members of the community! We've rolled out our two main priorities of the 2024 year by pushing the boundaries to college and career achievement. Keep reading to learn about our programs!
College Cohort Program
We help students learn the A-Zs of college admissions, applying for aid and scholarships, and so much more!
Learn MoreWe prepare and guide students to tackle the SAT, ACT, FAFSA and so many more acronyms related to getting into school. We make it a priority and a fundamental belief that students should have access to affordable collegiate education by prioritizing scholarships, grants, and merit based aid.
We use the experience of our counselors, educators, and university resources to help match students with programs that align with their learning goals while ensuring that students have access to better education and learning opportunities.
Students and job seekers work with us to find higher earning opportunities made possible by remote work, and thriving industries in the valley and around the world. We will help people find the role that suits their needs, prepare resumes and professional portfolios that help them stand out, and connect talent with businesses and industries that match.
Our Partners Who Help Make RioProgress
