Brownsville, Texas – Oct 1, 2025 — The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) and LMNTS announced that applications are open for the 2026 cohort of the Frontera Leadership Institute (FLI). This three-month, hands-on program equips young entrepreneurs from Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley
with practical leadership training and product management skills. The application deadline is October 24, 2025. This free program will run from January through May 2026.
Eligibility is inclusive and straightforward by design. Applicants should be between the ages of 18 and 26 and have at least one semester of college credit; active enrollment is not required.
The curriculum combines leadership development with product management, design, and venture labs, enabling participants to progress from problem discovery to a minimum viable product and conclude with a public pitch at a Demo Day, supported by mentors, alumni coaches, and regional partners.
This program is free and open to the community, made possible through the sponsorship of BCIC. FLI directly supports BCIC’s Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029 by building the talent and industry pipeline for high-wage and primary jobs in Brownsville.
“Our students have poured nearly 400 hours each into this cohort—working side by side with their teams, often around the clock. Graduating over 30 students is not just a milestone for us, but a win for the entire community. These young leaders in their early to mid-20s are now stepping into their leadership roles—supporting grassroots efforts, helping local candidates, and launching new companies and initiatives. That’s the kind of ripple effect that builds lasting change,” said Rubén Cantú, FLI Program Director.
This would be the third FLI cohort hosted in Brownsville. Prospective students can learn more at in-person information sessions hosted at the eBridge Center throughout October.
Applications are open now at https://fronteraleadership.org