This is Who We Are
Rio Progress is a non-profit 501(c)(3) 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.
We immediately began working with our students to develop a program that helps them understand the gaps in their knowledge about the college application process. We guided them in setting realistic expectations, offered advice on selecting the right colleges, identified which majors are worth pursuing, and covered many other important details related to life on college campuses. This program is called Cohort. If you want to join, you can read more about what we do here.
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.
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.
How It's Going
Now in 2025, we are expanding to reach more students than ever before. We are launching our priorities for 2025 centered around helping students and parents learn about the college application process and to give them access to more!
A Commitment to an Affordable College Education
We have been determined to keep the opportunities education grants young people and we continue to support them by helping them access resources, programs, and scholarships that ensure our students are able to access their highest potential with no student debt. Here is a few of the honors our students received along their journey.
Our New Downtown Office
Located in the beautiful Coca Cola Building, in the Crosshatch BTX co-working space, we are hosting our parent workshops, cohort meet-ups, and a lot more! We have to thank our partners at Crosshatch BTX for their support of our programs and initiatives.
Our Initiatives
We have been carefully working behind the scenes to build up our capacity to do more for our community. Here is a short list of the ones we have top of mind!
1. New Video Content
We’re rolling out accessible videos to help parents, teachers, and students better understand today’s college process. From essays to financial aid, we break it down step by step. These short guides are built with the RGV in mind.
2. Tailored Parent Workshops
Our new parent workshops focus on what families can do to boost student success. From early habits to college planning, each session is age-specific and action-focused. We want parents to feel equipped at every stage.
3. Technology Tools for College Success
Our searchable scholarship and summer program databases make it easy to find the right fit. Each listing is vetted and accessible to students in the Valley. We help you plan ahead, faster.
4. College Mentor Network
We’ve connected with students at top colleges who are eager to mentor others in the RGV. They offer real advice, answer tough questions, and help local students take the next step. Peer-to-peer support makes a difference.
5. Community Partnerships That Make a Difference
We’re teaming up with nonprofits and local orgs that help students pursue their passions. These partnerships expand opportunities in leadership, arts, STEM, and more. Together, we’re opening more doors for RGV youth.
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.