One of nine workforce development programs evaluated under the Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education (PACE), the  was selected as one of the most effective programs as measured by retention, graduation and employment. Findings from the study were revealed at South Texas College's Pecan Campus and celebrated by Senator Juan 'Chuy' Hinojosa and leaders from VIDA and Valley Interfaith. The study was a blind study -- essentially comparing what happened to 500 students who enrolled in VIDA and 500 students who enrolled in other programs.

VIDA is a long-term workforce development program established by Valley Interfaith and modeled after the nationally renowned Project QUEST in San Antonio. In a video produced by Valley Central , San Juanita Sanchez describes how VIDA helped her return to college after 20 years to finish her degree in social work.

VIDA: Implementation and Early Impact Report, Pathways for Advancing Careers in Education

VIDA Wins Recognition for Helping Low- Income Individuals Improve Education, Rio Grande Guardian

National Study Shows Impact of VIDA, Valley Central

Editorial: RGV Education Program for Low-Income Gets Worthy National Praise, The Monitor