A Rio Grande Valley non-profit group received a $150,000 dollar grant.

With the grant, VIDA will be able to help 20 more people get through their associate's degree.

First, they have to participate in the college prep academy then VIDA helps pay for their asociate's degree education even paying for child care.

"A grant like this from the greater texas foundation helps us assist 20 indiviuals break the cycle of poverty and become employable in a high demand job and then contribute to the economic chain of our community," said VIDA executive director Myra Garcia.

Those selected to this program need to be unemployed, under employed or on public assistance and willing to dedicate 6 hours a day for 16 weeks during the college prep academy located at South Texas College.

The following list is of the orientations for those interested in being selected for the program to pursue a career.

August 9 McAllen
St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church
10:00 a.m.
 
August 10 Weslaco
VIDA Office
10:00 a.m.
 
August 15 McAllen
VIDA Office
5:00 p.m.
 
August 18 McAllen
St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church
5:00 p.m.
 
August 18 Brownsville
UTB ITEC Building Room E-108
6:00 p.m.