This event brings together educators, employers, and industry leaders to strengthen the Valley’s workforce pipeline through innovative technology, local initiatives, and CTE leadership.

The 2025 Career & Technology Work-Based Learning Showcase is coming to McAllen, and YOU are invited to join us in shaping the Valley’s future workforce!

For over 30 years, RGV LEAD’s purpose has been connecting education to industry. The Innovation Hub is a new regional work-based learning program that gives local businesses affordable, high-quality support while preparing the RGV’s future workforce.

The 2025 Career & Technology Work-Based Learning Showcase is coming to McAllen, and RGV LEAD invites you to join us in shaping the Valley’s future workforce!

Discover Healthcare Trends & Careers

Maricela “Mari” De León, MPA, CPM, whose extensive public service credentials also include more than 20 years of professional experience in the Texas Legislature, higher education, and economic development, on Friday, August 1, 2025, was selected Interim Director, Rio Grande Valley LEAD (Linking Economic and Academic Development).

This summer, 42 teachers from over 13 school districts are gaining hands-on industry experience at local businesses across the RGV—including hospitals, manufacturers, banks, and even law enforcement agencies.

Today we wrapped up our Teacher Externship program. Through a partnership between WFS Lower Rio, WFS Cameron, Region One, and RGV LEAD, 28 teacher from across the valley spent a week discovering new industries and learning how they can better prepare their students for the real world.

Be part of our mission to increase economic mobility across the Rio Grande Valley by connecting classrooms to industry.

RGV LEAD's goal is to help as many students as possible strengthen their communication skills — a soft skill that industry leaders...

Imagine if we begin to instill the regional mindset in our RGV youth.

We honored the women who are raising families, excelling in their careers, and shaping the future of our region.