The South Texas Higher Education Authority was founded in 1974 as a higher education student loan secondary market Authority. For over 45 years, the Authority served the community by helping hundreds of thousands of students and their families achieve the dream of higher education by providing low-cost financing and funding millions of dollars in scholarships. In May 2019, the Authority transitioned into the Rio-South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation and adopted a new mission “to ensure residents acquire skills and knowledge and have access to economic opportunities to enable them to pursue meaningful careers and live prosperous lives in Rio South Texas”.

Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region.

To donate or sponsor RSTEF’s program of work contact info@riosouthtexasecdf.org. Follow us on Facebook at Rio South Texas ECDF.