Strong start. Promising future.
RGV FOCUS is a collective impact initiative of Educate Texas, an educational arm of Dallas-based Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT).
In 2003, CFT launched the Texas High School Project to introduce the Early College High School model to the state of Texas to address the declining graduation rates for Texas high school students and the low percentage of minority, low-income, first generation students earning higher education credentials (two- or four-year, or technical college).
In 2012, CFT renamed the Texas High School Project as Educate Texas to better represent the broader scope of work being undertaken by the organization and its partners to not only educate students, but also support the teachers and leaders responsible for the education systems’ ultimate success. Also in 2012, with the recognition that the establishment of an education-focused collective impact initiative in the Rio Grande Valley could greatly improve the educational outcomes across the four-county region, CFT and Educate Texas partnered with Valley-based leaders to establish RGV FOCUS in support of the vision that all Rio Grande Valley learners will achieve a degree or credential that leads to a meaningful career and successful life.
Furthermore, RGV FOCUS’ work positions the Rio Grande Valley to support the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) "Building A Talent-Strong Texas" Strategic Plan.
The Rio Grande Valley has a strong history of collaboration and success—but we are even more excited about our future. Our story continues with you.
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2005
Hidalgo ECHS
STC DEMSA (Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy)
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2006
Progreso ECHS
STC Summit on College Readiness
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2008
McAllen, PSJA, Mercedes, Valley View ECHS
STC DECSA (Dual Enrollment Computer Science Academy)
MSI Funders Learning Tour
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2010
Scale ECHS in Throughout RGV
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2011
Explore Collective Impact
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2012
Planning Year for Collective Impact
RGV FOCUS is launched, in collaboration with Educate Texas and Communities Foundation of Texas.
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2013
Collective Impact in Action
PSJA College for All Demonstration Site
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2014
Ford Corridor
Lumina Community Partnerships for Attainment
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2018
Talent Hub Designation
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2022
New RGV FOCUS Strategic Plan Launched as part of Educate Texas 2025 Strategic Plan
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2030
Goal: By this year, RGV FOCUS seeks to have 60 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds in the region earn a certificate or degree.