FESTIBA Educational Partners
The Region One Education Service Center is part of a state-wide system of 20 regional education service centers created by the 59th Texas Legislature to assist school districts across the state. Originally slated to work with school districts as a media center, the role of the education service center has expanded to work alongside school districts to carry out the three main objectives as stipulated in the TEC §8.002: to assist school districts improve student performance, to assist school districts to operate efficiently and effectively, and to carry out the mandates of the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Legislature.
Located in South Texas on the United States/Mexico border, Region One ESC serves 37 school districts and 24 charter school campuses in the seven county areas of Cameron County, Hidalgo County, Jim Hogg County, Starr County, Webb County, Willacy County, and Zapata County.
Gear Up is a national initiative funded through the U.S. Department of Education aimed at encouraging students to pursue education past high school. A main focus of this initiative involves the combined effort of parents, students, educators, and our communities.
FESTIBA Sponsors
The City of Edinburg was founded on October 10, 1908 and was known as “Chapin”. Records indicate a Commission form of government after its incorporation on September 19, 1919, consisting of one Mayor and two Commissioners. On May 5, 1928, a City Charter was adopted and recorded with the Secretary of State. On April 5, 1949, the present City Charter, and City Council-City Manager form of government was adopted and has been amended several times.
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) plays a key role in assisting companies to expand, while helping to attract new business and industry to Edinburg. The EEDC provides the following services:
- Site selection assistance
- Real estate database of properties and buildings
- Business seminars
- Job training assistance
- Data Information Center
- Coordination of state and local assistance
- Access to business start-up resources
The Raul Tijerina Jr. Foundation
The Raul Tijerina Jr. Foundation provides financial support for nonprofit groups operating in, and directly benefiting the people of, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties, Texas.
Areas of primary interest to the Foundation include youth, education, health, human services, community development, cultural, arts, and humanities programs.
Bank of America is cognizant of the importance of promoting literacy to children from a young age. Thus, it is sponsoring a literacy endeavor called the Bank of America Celebrity Reader through which nationally renowned author Dr. Francisco Jimenez will read and distribute his book, La Mariposa, to approximately 200 third and fourth graders at Melissa Dotson Betts Elementary.
The story of H-E-B began 100 years ago in a tiny family shop in Kerrville. Today H-E-B serves families all over Texas and Mexico with over 300 stores and 75,000 Partners (employees).
H-E-B's commitment to excellence has made it one of the nation’s largest independently owned food retailers. Yet H-E-B's success has not changed its commitment to giving the customer exceptional service, low prices and friendly shopping.
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. prepares and motivates children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most. Founded in 1966, RIF is the oldest and largest children's and family nonprofit literacy organization in the United States. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4.4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources each year.
South Texas Literacy Coalition
To enhance learning opportunities for all of South Texas (Region One Service Area) by insuring all children and families have access to strong integrated literacy services and resources.
Dustin Sekula Memorial Library
The Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library is an educational institution that serves people of all ages and persuasions in the City of Edinburg and Hidalgo County. The library provides materials and services to help community residents obtain information meeting their personal, educational and professional needs. Special emphasis is placed on supporting students’ at all academic levels and on stimulating young children’s interests and appreciation for reading and learning. The library serves as a learning and educational center whose focus is to enrich, enlightened and empower the citizens of our community.
The Texas Book Festival celebrates authors and their contributions to the culture of literacy, ideas and imagination. The Texas Book Festival was established in 1995 by First Lady Laura Bush, a former librarian and an ardent advocate of literacy. Mrs. Bush created a task force to plan the book festival to honor Texas authors, promote the joys of reading and serve to benefit the state's public libraries. The first Festival took place at the Capitol in November 1996; the Festival has quickly evolved into one of the premier literary events in the country, annually hosting over 200 Texas and nationally known authors. In 2006, more than 45,000 visitors participated in a week-end of author readings and presentations, panel discussions, book signings, and musical entertainment at the State Capitol in Austin.
The University of Texas-Pan American Library
UTPA Library is the largest library Texas Library south of San Antonio. Besides offering traditional library services, it tries to offer relevant and timely programs that students, faculty and staff would enjoy. It is dedicated to the concept of lifelong learning.
International Museum of Arts & Science
The mission of the International Museum of Arts & Science (IMAS) is to promote a deeper appreciation for the arts and sciences through its exhibitions, cultural events and educational programs, and to preserve, expand, and display its permanent art and science collections.