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Education

Scholarships

Daniel Avila
Kyra Hall cropped
Leilany Lechuga
Marisol Saenz cropped
Monserrat Velarde cropped
Natalia Gonzalez Photo cropped
Victoria Renteria cropped

Scholarships are an incredible source of financial assistance for students. In recognition of Richard Castro’s support of post-secondary education and community service, CEA established the Richard Castro Community Service Scholarship.

For the past three years, this Scholarship has distributed $30,000 to 15 graduating seniors, with each awardee receiving $2,000. This year two additional students were selected for an additional $5,000.

 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 12th year, introduces and empowers children and parents to pursue a post-secondary education. On Oct. 21, we held the event at the University of Texas at El Paso for El Paso and Ysleta Independent School Districts. On Feb. 10, 2024, CEA will host a second event for the remaining Independent School Districts.

UTEP President Dr. Heather Wilson welcomed the students, parents, speakers, and volunteers. Keynote speakers were Judge Carlos Villa and EPISD superintendent Diana Sayavedra. This was our first forum since the pandemic.

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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
Arturo Barrio
Jaime Barceleau
Ruben Chavez
Renee Jimenez
Carmen Perez
Margie Salazar
Diana Sayavedra
James Baca
Gina Martinez

Cultural Pride

Gaspar and Richard Photo 6

 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 88th Legislation Session. Gaspar received the Latino Legacy Award in 2022.

Group photo Gaspar Photo 5

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

Latino Legacy Awards

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.  

Maria Elena Flood
Modesto Gomez photo older
Oscar Venegas

Latino Legacy Stories The Untold or Forgotten Stories of Latino/as in El Paso

In 2023, CommUNITY en Acción initiated the development of the Latino Legacy Stories. This project aims to unearth untold or forgotten stories, fostering a connection within our community, and laying the foundation for understanding the critical role Latinas and Latinos have played in shaping our binational community’s culture and history. These stories affirm their historical significance and emphasize that this legacy will persist for many years to come.

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P.O.Box 23155  |  El Paso, TX. 79923
For more information, person delivery or drop off please contact Anna Aleman at

aaleman@communityenaccion.org

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