Castillo: Prairie View A&M University Extension is doing solid work in the RGV

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – Rina Castillo tells the Rio Grande Guardian that Prairie View A&M University Extension held two noteworthy events over the last couple of weeks.

Castillo is a community and economic development agent for the extension service. She said she and her team held an informational workshop in Starr County about the USDA 502 & 504 Home Programs for Homebuilders. She said they also empowered small business owners through a digital literacy workshop held in Pharr.

USDA 502 & 504 Home Programs

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Castillo said Prairie View A&M University Extension was proud to host an informational workshop centered around the USDA 502 & 504 Home Programs. It was held at the offices of Starr County Industrial Foundation.

Castillo said the programs are designed to empower homebuilders with crucial insights and resources to serve eligible applicants effectively with home repairs and building new homes. 

The event, Castillo said, aimed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to leverage these programs for the benefit of their clients and communities.

“The workshop served as a comprehensive platform for homebuilders to understand the intricacies and advantages of the USDA 502 & 504 Home Programs. By delving into the specifics of these programs, attendees gained valuable insights into how they can effectively assist eligible applicants in securing home loans, home repair grants, or home repair loans,” Castillo told the Guardian.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the announcement that Prairie View agents will be available to provide dedicated assistance in packaging home loans, home repair grants, or home repair loans for USDA, Castillo explained. 

She said the aim is to streamline the application process, expedite approvals, and ultimately ensure that eligible individuals and families receive the assistance they need in a prompt manner.

“We are thrilled to offer this workshop as a means to empower homebuilders with the knowledge and resources necessary to make a meaningful impact in their communities,” Castillo said. 

“By understanding and utilizing the USDA 502 & 504 Home Programs, homebuilders can play a pivotal role in facilitating access to affordable housing options and essential home repairs for eligible individuals and families.”

“The workshop fostered meaningful discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, allowing participants to exchange ideas, best practices, and potential collaborations,” Castillo added.

Editor’s Note: For more information about Prairie View A&M University Extension and its initiatives, call Rina Castillo at 956-383-1026.

Digital Literacy Workshop

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A Digital Literacy workshop to help small businesses was held at the Pepe Salinas Memorial Recreation Center in Pharr.

Funding came from the USDA National Institution of Food and Agriculture through a grant to the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC). 

Castillo thanked Village in the Valley (VIVA), an organization dedicated to elevating and uniting the black community while fostering cultural connections in the Rio Grande Valley, for its participation.

Castillo said the workshop provided participants with essential digital skills and confidence to navigate the online landscape effectively. 

She said the aim was to “bridge the digital divide and empower individuals with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

Castillo, noted that “vast amounts of funding” are set to flow into states for broadband expansion in the coming year. Therefore, she said, the importance of equipping individuals with digital literacy skills cannot be overstated. 

“Without the ability to utilize online resources safely and effectively, many risk being left behind in the digital age. However, with the right skills, broadband access can serve as a gateway to new opportunities in areas such as work, education, healthcare, social connections, and more,” Castillo said.

Castillo said the Digital Literacy workshop leveraged digital topics developed by SRDC, ensuring participants gained practical insights and knowledge to enhance their online presence and drive business growth. She said that through hands-on training sessions and interactive discussions, attendees acquired valuable skills to navigate digital platforms, optimize online resources, and safeguard their digital footprint.

“Access to broadband is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity in today’s digital economy. However, access alone is not enough. We must also equip individuals with the skills and confidence to leverage broadband effectively,” Castillo said. “Through initiatives like the Digital Literacy workshop, we are empowering small business owners to harness the full potential of digital technology, driving innovation, and fostering economic resilience within our communities.”

Dr. Theresa Gatling, co-president of VIVA, agreed.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Prairie View A&M University Extension to empower small business owners in our community through digital literacy,” Gatling said. “By providing individuals with the necessary skills to harness the power of broadband, we are not only promoting economic empowerment but also fostering inclusive growth and connectivity within our community.”

Editor’s Note: For more information about Prairie View A&M University Extension and upcoming digital literacy initiatives, visit https://hidalgo.agrilife.org/ or contact Rina Castillo at 956-383-1026

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