HCISD Mentor Connect

Mentor Connect (formerly RGV Mentors) was founded in the spring of 2010 by Rio Grande Valley native and Harlingen gastroenterologist Dr. Nolan E. Perez. The impetus to create Mentor Connect began over lunch with RGVision Publisher, Gabe Puente. Their enthusiasm for education and community service  is evidenced in their involvement and drive to help students succeed. Utilizing the “life coach” style of mentoring was, and it is today, the hallmark of MentorConnect. When Dr. Perez founded Mentor Connect, his purpose was to inspire and motivate students and see knowledge, opportunities, and skill-sets emerge. His goal was to match successful community professionals with aspiring high school students to ensure all participants graduate high school with a college and career-ready mindset.

In late 2010, Mentor Connect joined forces with RGV LEAD (formerly Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley), which is a partnership between education and business that prepares young people for today’s skilled workforce. This partnership involves well-established relationships with high schools, colleges, universities, businesses, and governmental agencies throughout the Rio Grande Valley.  Their method of needs’ assessment and promotion of post-secondary education and career readiness is a solid fit with the goals of Mentor Connect. Dr. Perez now serves on the RGV LEAD Executive Board.