The Rio Grande Valley (The Valley) – sits along the northern bank of the Rio Grande River (the dividing waterway between the U.S. and Mexico border) and stretches across 4,244 square miles and four counties – Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy. As of January 1, 2012, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) – Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties – is home to more than 1.36 million people along the Texas-Mexico border.

RGV LEAD is focused on helping the Valley develop its most valuable asset: the intellectual capital of its people, especially the students moving through the Valley’s public schools. All RGV LEAD initiatives encourage students to participate in college-and-career-focused programs of study supporting students’ success. Selecting a specific career field with an established course of study and/or link to the job market puts high school students on a proven path to success.