Excelencia in Education Recognizes VIDA’s Avanza RGV: Accelerating Latino Prosperity through Education & Career Pathways for Making a Positive Impact on Student Success

Mercedes, Texas (Sept. 8, 2025)— Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to advance Latino talent and strengthen the nation’s workforce and civic leadership, announced that Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement’s Avanza RGV: Accelerating Latino Prosperity through Education & Career Pathways is a finalist for the 2025 Examples of Excelencia. This national, data-driven effort is the only one of its kind that recognizes programs with evidence of effectiveness in improving Latino, and all, student success in higher education. VIDA was founded in 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.

“Excelencia promotes what works for Latino, and all, students nationally because of our commitment to excellence in higher education that results in student success,” said Deborah
Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia. “The programs recognized as finalists this year are meeting the moment and ensuring access to quality education. We celebrate their efforts and encourage others to learn what is making a positive difference for students.”

Since 2005, Excelencia has received more than 2,500 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their proven impact, and raised and awarded over $2.2 million to programs making a positive difference for students across the nation. This year’s finalists were recognized from submissions representing 13 states and the District of Columbia, and span four levels: associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organizations. [Program Name] and the other finalists represent the innovative and impactful work happening across higher education institutions and organizations committed to expanding access to a quality college education for all students.

We are deeply honored that VIDA’s “Avanza RGV: Accelerating Latino Prosperity Through Education & Career Pathways” program has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 Examples of Excelencia award, placing us among just 12 finalists nationwide. This prestigious recognition validates our holistic approach that combines wraparound support services with innovative educational opportunities. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to fostering economic prosperity in our underserved Latino communities by removing barriers to higher education and creating sustainable pathways to family-sustaining careers. We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to share VIDA’s work and inspire others to invest in the future of our Latino communities across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond,” said Felida Villarreal, President & CEO at VIDA.

Programmatic details about all the finalists will be featured in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the nation’s only online and searchable database designed for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others seeking evidence-based practices that improve opportunities and outcomes for Latino, and all, students in higher education.

To see the full list of the 2025 Examples of Excelencia finalists, visit: EdExcelencia.org/what-works-examples-excelencia/examples-excelencia-finalists