RGVBA and RGV LEAD Partner to Build Construction Career Pathways for Valley Students
The Rio Grande Valley Builders Association (RGVBA) and Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic and Academic Development (RGV LEAD) were featured in a September 17, 2026 MyRGV report announcing a partnership to connect Rio Grande Valley students with career opportunities in the construction industry.
Through a memorandum of agreement, the organizations established the RGV LEAD Architecture and Construction Workforce Pipeline Initiative for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The initiative is designed to connect high school juniors and seniors enrolled in participating Architecture and Construction Career and Technical Education programs with industry professionals and practical career-development opportunities.
Planned activities include construction-site and employer tours, skilled-trade demonstrations, job shadowing, mentorship, employer-sponsored projects, internships, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and connections to potential employment opportunities.
Under the partnership, RGV LEAD serves as the regional education and workforce coordinator, while RGVBA serves as the principal industry engagement partner, helping connect participating schools and students with local builders, contractors, suppliers, and trades professionals.
The initiative encompasses career pathways in architectural drafting and design, carpentry, construction management and inspection, electrical work, HVAC and sheet metal, masonry, and plumbing and pipefitting.
RGV LEAD Executive Director Maricela De Leon outlined plans for programming beginning in October 2026 and continuing through May 2027.
RGVBA Executive Officer Johnny Vasquez also emphasized the Association's commitment to helping develop the next generation of workers needed by the residential construction industry.
The collaboration follows earlier engagement between leaders of RGVBA and RGV LEAD during a 2026 Washington, D.C., advocacy visit, where representatives of the two organizations established an initial connection.
The partnership also received television coverage from KRGV Channel 5 on September 9, 2026. In that report, RGVBA Vice President Roy Perez, owner of LTR Construction, discussed introducing young people to skilled trades and creating opportunities to explore construction careers.
Together, these efforts reflect RGVBA's commitment to strengthening the connection between education and industry while supporting the long-term workforce needs of Rio Grande Valley builders.
Read the original MyRGV report: New initiative aims to connect Valley students to construction industry opportunities
Related RGVBA coverage: KRGV Highlights RGVBA and RGV LEAD Partnership to Develop Future Construction Workforce
Original reporting by Omar Zapata, MyRGV. Published September 17, 2026.
Cover image: RGV LEAD Project Coordinator Dr. Diana Ybanez; RGVBA Treasurer Esther Guerra; former RGVBA President Mary Ramirez; and RGV LEAD Executive Director Maricela de Leon, pictured from left to right during a workforce-development partnership gathering. Courtesy of the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association.
