Education

Scholarships

In 2025, The Richard Castro Community Service Scholarship and CommUNITY en Acción distributed $15,000 in scholarships to six students. In just four years, the scholarship has distributed $50,000 to 23 inspiring graduates. The Richard Castro Community Service Scholarship recognizes and honors high school students who demonstrate outstanding dedication to community service while pursuing their educational goals. Richard Castro’s passion for education and community impact inspired us and this scholarship is fostering the same spirit in aspiring students.

In 2020, CEA established the Survivors en Acción Scholarship fund for children who both or one parent was killed on August 3, 2019. CEA sees these children as part of our family now and we believe in them and the many contributions they will make to our society.

Natalia Salas Porras, who was the recipient of the CEA Survivors en Acción Scholarship for three years, has graduated from the School of Art at Cooper Union in New York. Natalia. The scholarship was established by CEA following the August 3, 2019, tragedy. Natalia’s mother, Maria Eugenia was killed in the shooting.

“Artmaking was the path I took to make sense of myself after the murder of my mother. Thank you, to everyone who helped me start a new life that I am embracing with hope and the memory of my beloved mother,” said Natalia.

CEA stayed in touch with Natalia throughout her years at Cooper Union.

Please contact Anna Alemán aaleman@communityenaccion.org to make a tax-deductible gift to one or both scholarship funds.

Young Achievers Forum

The Young Achievers Forum, now in its 13^th year, introduces and empowers children and parents to pursue a post-secondary education. On February 8, 2025 we welcomed 860 students and 300 parents/guardians from the following school districts: Canutillo, Clint, El Paso, Fabens, IDEA San Elizario, Sierra Blanca, Socorro, and Ysleta. A special thank you to the 100 UTEP volunteers, 60 speakers, and 25 additional volunteers who gave their time to inspire and guide these students

UTEP President Dr. Heather Wilson and keynote speaker Dr. Xavier De La Torre, Ysleta Independent School District Superintendent welcomed the students, parents, speakers, and volunteers.

The Young Achievers Forum (YAF) is a day-long event featuring speakers and small group workshops. Our carefully curated lineup includes professionals from STEAM, health/sciences, education/liberal arts, business/finance, and vocational trades. By exposing participants to a broad spectrum of careers, we aim to broaden their horizons and encourage them to pursue a post-secondary education.

Target Audiences:

Economically disadvantaged and at risk-sixth grade students.
Parents/guardians of these students.
College Students
Speakers
Volunteers

Inspiration, Motivation, and Education: YAF offers a comprehensive experience by combining inspiration and motivation with educational elements. The day is filled with activities that provide students and parents with insights into the college experience.

Key Features of YAF

Instill the importance of higher education though varied pathways: Speakers share their unique journeys, emphasizing the importance of post-secondary education in achieving personal and professional goals.
Inspiration through Real Stories: YAF speakers not only discuss their educational and career paths, but also share personal stories, highlighting the resilience and determination required to overcome obstacles. This approach fosters a sense of relatability, making the speakers more accessible role models.
Parental Empowerment Sesson: A separate session is held for parents, providing them with valuable insights and tools to transform their mindset about post-secondary education. The Parental Empowerment Session focuses on equipping parents with the knowledge and resources necessary to support their children emotionally and financially. Key elements of the session include financial literacy education, grant and scholarship guidance, supportive emotional guidance, and preparation strategies. We anticipate a lasting positive impact on students’ academic success and overall well-being.

Young Achievers Forum Committee Members

Raymond Palacios, Chair

Dr. Sylvia Acosta

James Baca

Arturo Barrio

Jaime Barceleau

Simon Chandler

Ruben Chavez

Maria Flores

Renee Jimenez

Fabiola Campos-Lopez

Carmen Perez

Diana Sayavedra

James Baca

Gina Martinez

Cultural Pride

In collaboration with National Museum of the American Latino, The Rubin Center, and the University of Texas at El Paso, CommUNITY en Accion recognized Gaspar Enriquez – who was appointed as the Texas State Artist by the Texas Commission for the Arts and approved by the 88^th Legislation Session. Gaspar received the Latino Legacy Award in 2022.

At the same reception, Richard Castro spoke on the importance of representation in the arts and its impact on economic development.

Latino Legacy Awards

This year, we are proud to honor Dr. Richard Castro, a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of CommUNITY en Acción.

CEA celebrated the legacies of three remarkable El Pasoans who made lasting contributions to our community: Oscar Venegas, Maria Elena Acevedo Flood and Modesto Gomez (posthumously). Family, colleagues, and friends came together September 15 to honor the significant impact these individuals made on our community and the positive change for future generations.