Education
Scholarships
In 2026, The Richard Castro Community Service Scholarship and CommUNITY en Acción
Distributed $12,000 in scholarships to six students. In just four years, the scholarship has distributed $62,000 to 29 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.
Natalia Salas Porras
Natalia’ mother, lost her mother in the August 2019 shooting and she was the first child to receive a $10,000 scholarship per year for four years as she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree. Natalia graduated in May 2024 from the School of Art at Cooper Union in New York.
Scholarship Committee
Ruben Chavez, Chair
Dr. Carla Cardoza
Renee Jimenez
Crystal Martinez
Gina Martinez
George Saucedo
Young Achievers Forum
Since 2012, the Young Achievers Forum (YAF) has introduced thousands of sixth-grade students and their families to the power and possibility of higher education. In 2026, more than 1,300 students and parents participated across two university campuses: UTEP and New Mexico State University.
Through hands-on exposure to college environments, career pathways, and bilingual parent empowerment sessions, YAF continues to serve students from economically disadvantaged and rural communities, equipping families with the knowledge and motivation needed to plan for post-secondary success.
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
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 88th 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
Nestor Valencia
Ambassador Raymond Telles
Dr. Roberto Assael
Legacy Leadership Speaker Series
P.O.Box 23155 | El Paso, TX. 79923
For more information, person delivery or drop off please contact Anna Aleman at
Copyright © 2026 Community en Acción
