By Dayna Reyes, Reporter

MERCEDES, Texas – As first revealed in the RGG Business Journal, Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) has been selected as a grantee of the OpenAI Foundation’s People-First AI Fund.

The goal of this nationwide initiative is to support community-based nonprofits that are strengthening local communities and expanding economic opportunity through the responsible use of artificial intelligence. 

Felida Villarreal is president & CEO of VIDA. In an exclusive interview with the Business Journal, Villarreal said this national recognition is a major milestone for VIDA and the Rio Grande Valley. She said participation in this inaugural cohort connects VIDA to national funders, technology leaders, and high-profile nonprofits, strengthening the region’s visibility and influence in the evolving AI and workforce development landscape.

“We are deeply grateful to the OpenAI Foundation for selecting VIDA to receive this transformative People-First AI Fund award,” Villarreal said.

“This recognition reflects not only the growing innovation and resilience of our Rio Grande Valley community, but also the dedication of our team and the trust our participants place in us daily. As AI continues to reshape the workforce, this investment ensures that our community is not left behind but positioned at the forefront of technological advancement. We are honored to join this national cohort of grantees and expand opportunities for the individuals and families we serve, building on our 30-year legacy of creating economic mobility pathways through education.”

Funding from the People-First AI Fund will support VIDA’s ongoing mission to prepare residents for high-demand, high-wage careers, while integrating AI literacy, digital skill-building, and future-focused training that promotes long-term economic mobility, Villarreal added.

Here is the interview:

About the OpenAI Foundation Grant

This is OpenAI Foundation’s first-ever round of grant awards. It is backed by a multi-million-dollar investment to advance people-first AI efforts across the country.

Through an open call for applicants, nearly 3,000 organizations applied, and only 208 nonprofits were selected to receive $40.5 million in unrestricted funding. VIDA was one of the few Texas-based organizations awarded this distinction. 

The grantees represent mission-driven, community-centered organizations, including many with limited prior exposure to AI, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening local capacity and ensuring communities have the tools needed to navigate an AI-driven future.

“VIDA was selected for its proven impact in empowering underserved, low-income students and working adults through wraparound financial assistance, career navigation, intensive case management, and employer partnerships. VIDA is also expanding AI and technology training programs that equip Rio Grande Valley residents with the skills required for emerging and future workforce demands,” a VIDA press release stated.



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