Community Scholars is engaging young minds to care for and improve the community that fostered them. We aim to develop leadership skills in the area's youth with the goal of inspiring our students to return to their community and help move it forward.
Despite the numerous national, state and local recognition the organization has received over its 14-year history, the students who emerge from each leadership year are counted as the the organization’s proudest achievements. Individual program participants carry this experience with them for the rest of their lives and attribute many of their academic, personal and professional success to this innovative program.
The following are testimonials and biographies gathered from former Scholars. They are organized by school district. Click on any of the links below to read about many of our Scholars' experiences following the internship in their own words. They say it best!
| Anthony ISD | Canutillo ISD |
| Clint ISD | El Paso ISD |
| Fabens ISD | Private Schools |
| Socorro ISD | Tornillo ISD |
 |
Anthony Independent School District
Gilbert Rodríguez
Scholar: 2006
Supervisor: 2008-2009
Anthony High School Graduate (2007)
Baylor University Graduate (2011, B.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering)
Graduate Student at Vanderbilt University (2016, Electrical Engineering)
Vanderbilt University, Research Assistant, Nashville, TN (2001-Present)
Future Engineer/Business Owner
“Community Scholars has been one of my greatest motivators in school, work, and life. It has shown me what a small group of people can accomplish, even if the research only takes part over a small period of time. The opportunities given by the program
to high school students are something that can be appreciated for a lifetime!”
Canutillo Independent School District
Sonia Alvarez
Scholar: 2007-2008
Administrative Assistant: 2008-2009
Canutillo High School Graduate (2009)
Undergraduate Student at the University of Texas at Austin (2013, Social Work)
Study Abroad, Spain (2010)
Texas Folklife, Office Assistant (2010-Present)
Latinas Learning to Lead Building Jewish Bridges on Campus Program, travel to Washington, D.C. and Israel (2011)
Child Protective Services Intern and Texas Folk Life Staff
"Community Scholars has helped me see the treasures hidden in the deserts of our sun city. The organization has strongly influenced me to take part in politics as a citizen and to help my community when in need. I am now studying in Austin but will return to El Paso as a leader to help our city prosper to its full potential."
Amanda Lee Atienzo
Scholar: 2009
Canutillo High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at New Mexico State University (2014, Nursing)
“Community Scholars has taught me to do research more effectively.”
Richard Del Val
Scholar: 2006
Canutillo High School Graduate (2008)
Undergraduate Student at the Univerisity of Texas at El Paso (B.S. Pre-Med)
Future Anesthesiologist
“The experience made me more aware of my community and the need for people to come back and help. I feel that the organization helped me be more qualified for leadership positions, relating to both employment and academics.”
Priscilla Moreno
Scholar: 2005-2006
Canutillo High School Graduate (2006)
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2010, B.A. Political Science)
Future Attorney
“The experience that I had with Community Scholars definitely helped in attaining a scholarship at UTEP and acceptance into Tulane University. I have continued to network with former employees in my organizing of civic events on campus and in the community.”
Alyssa S. Rosas
Scholar: 2009-2010
Undergraduate Student at Texas A&M University (Chemistry)
Rubén Salinas
Scholar: 2002-2003
Supervisor: 2004-2005
Canutillo High School Graduate (2003)
University of Texas at Austin Graduate (2007, Bachelor’s of Business Administration)
Financial Analyst, Goldman, Sachs & Co., New York, NY (2007-Present)
Clint Independent School District
Corina Avila
Scholar: 2001
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2008, Biological Sciences)
Graduate Student at the University of Texas at El Paso (2013, Science for Teaching)
Socorro Independent School District, Secondary Science Teacher/Head Cross Country Coach/Assistant Track Coach, El Paso, TX (2010-Present)
“Community Scholars gave me the drive to want to make a difference in my community.”
Marlene García
Scholar: 2001-2002
Supervisor: 2003-2004, 2006
Mountain View High School Graduate (2002)
Austin College Graduate (2006, B.A. Biology/Political Science)
Graduate from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (2011, M.D.)
Internal Medicine Intern at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (2011)
Future Cardiologist
“I always wanted to be a doctor; I knew after my Community Scholars experience that I could become a doctor. My long-term goal is to return to my home and practice medicine in the underserved area of El Paso.”
El Paso Independent School District
Kwadwo Achampong
Scholar: 2000-2001
Supervisor: 2006
Program Coordinator: 2006-2008
Maxine L. Silva Magnet School Graduate (2001)
Northwestern University (2005, B.A. Psychology)
Medical Student at the Carver College of Medicine (University of Iowa)
Future Physician
“The program helped me develop leadership qualities, public speaking abilities, time management skills, and a better organizational character in terms of thinking, planning and reaching my objectives.”
Rodolfo Jose Alarcon
Scholar: 2008
Burges High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at the University of Texas at El Paso (2013, Media Advertising)
“Due to the program, I spend much more time attending community events and appreciating the region”
Linda Amaro
Scholar: 2002-2003
Administrative Assistant: 2005-2008
Irvin High School Graduate
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2007, Psychology)
University of New Mexico Graduate (2010, Occupational Therapy)
Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital, Occupational Therapist, Albuquerque, NM (2011-Present)
“Community Scholars has played a huge role in my life. The opportunity that I had is one that I am grateful for because it has expanded my knowledge on El Paso. I am motivated to come back to El Paso to provide my skills to a city that has so much potential.”
Nicole Ivy Anklam
Scholar: 2009
Chapin High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at Rochester Institute of Technology (2015, Computer Engineering)
“Being a Community Scholar greatly increased my leadership skills and self-confidence and these qualities aided me in becoming Co-President of my school's technology club.”
Samuel Archuleta
Scholar: 2001-2002
Supervisor: 2003-2006
Burges High School Graduate
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2007, Electrical Engineering)
West Texas A&M Graduate (2010, Master’s in Business Administration)
B&W Pantex, Engineer II, Amarillo, TX (2007-Present)
“Community Scholars inspired me to be a more active citizen.”
Salvador Calderon
Scholar: 2006
Burges High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at the University of Texas at Austin (2013, Architecture)
“My work with Community Scholars has provided me with the knowledge to understand the challenges that I will face if I want to be successful in building an architecture business in El Paso.”
Molly Canas
Scholar: 2000-2001
Supervisor: 2005
Florida State University Graduate (2004, Psychology)
Trinity University Graduate (2007, Psychology)
“Community Scholars gave me the critical thinking skills necessary to observe a problem, ask the appropriate questions to help find possible solutions and work through those ideas to create a plausible solution.”
Abbey Cohen
Scholar: 2007-2008
Supervisor: 2010
Frank High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at Austin College (2013, Business Administration)
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, Generalist Clerk, New York, NY (2011)
“Community Scholars is a wonderful organization that has helped me mature as a young professional. It has played a crucial role in my development in a wide array of skills that have helped me in my educational and professional career thus far.”
Valeria Contreras
Scholar: 2010-2011
Franklin High School Graduate
University of Chicago (2015, Studio Art/Law)
Adriana Domínguez
Scholar: 1998-1999
Supervisor: 2000-2001
Administrative Assistant: 2001
Board Member (2009– Present)
Andress High School Graduate (1999)
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2003, B.A. Theatre Arts)
New York University Graduate (2005, Masters in Performing Arts Administration)
New Mexico State University Graduate (2011, Ph.D., Curriculum & Instruction)
University of Texas at El Paso, Director of Audience Development, Department of Theatre and Dance (2005-Present)
“Community Scholars allowed me to understand the potential of the El Paso community. Without the Community Scholars experience I would not have made the decision to return/stay in El Paso.”
August W. Enger
Scholar: 2005-2006
Supervisor: 2007, 2009
Coronado High School Graduate (2007)
Undergraduate Student at Loyola Marymount University (B.A. Screenwriting)
Future Film Maker
“I was given an opportunity to not only familiarize myself with public policy, but also to help understand issues facing my community. Ultimately, I feel better prepared to one day move El Paso forward.”
Violeta Flores (Melendez)
Scholar: 2000-2001
Administrative Assistant: 2001
Andress High School Graduate
Arizona State University Graduate (2005, Bachelor’s in Science, Nursing)
Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Phoenix, AZ (2004-Present)
“I gained research skills that helped me in college and now in my current profession. I recently conducted evidence based research and am in the process of publishing. I have presented my findings locally and nationally.”
Dana Galvan
Scholar: 2008
Silva Magnet High School Graduate
Graduate Student at Rice University (2013, Biochemistry/Cell Biology)
University of Texas at El Paso Border Biomedical Research Center, Research Assistant (Summer 2011)
“After receiving my PhD or MD, I wish to return to El Paso to practice. I also hope I will be able to start introducing students at a young age, to scientific fields through research experiences and presentations.”
Adrian Garcia
Scholar: 2003-2004
Burges High School Graduate
University of Texas at Austin Graduate (2007, Economics/Government)
Graduate Student at Stanford Law School (2013)
Jones Day Legal Institution, Los Angeles, CA (2011)
“The program improved my writing ability.”
El Paso Independent School District
Joyce Garcia
Scholar: 2006
Jefferson High School Graduate
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2010, English and American Literature)
Graduate Student at Ohio State University Mortiz College of Law (2013, Law)
“Even though it’s been five years since my participation in Community Scholars, I still am able to use the skills I learned to help me in my studies and my view of the world at large.”
Daniel Hernandez
Scholar: 2000-2001
Supervisor: 2002
El Paso High School Graduate Student
Boston University Graduate (2005, Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics)
University of Michigan Graduate (2011, PhD Mathematics)
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Dunham Jackson Assistant Professor (2011-2014)
“The communication and leadership skills I learned in Community Scholars have helped me throughout my academic career. My participation in the program helped me obtain university scholarships as an undergraduate.”
Ashante Herring
Scholar: 2007
Silva Magnet High School Graduate
Undergraduate at Cornell University (2013, English)
“Community Scholars gave me the opportunity to harness my public speaking potential and learn to achieve more so that I may better serve my community in the future.”
Michael Hwang
Scholar: 2007-2008
Andress High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at New York University (2012)
“Community Scholars has been an organization that has helped me become much more aware of my local government and the role that we should play as citizens of a democratic government.”
Jose M. Landeros
Scholar: 2003-2004
Supervisor: 2006-2008
Board Member: 2008-2009
Program Coordinator: 2008-Present
Burges High School Graduate (2005)
Texas A&M Graduate (2009, B.S. Political Science)
Graduate Student at the University of Texas Arlington (Master’s in Public Administration)
City Plan Commission, City of El Paso, Member (2010-Present)
Future City Manager
“The organization allowed me to increase my civic awareness and engagement in the community. It made me realize I wanted to help move El Paso forward in the right direction.”
Valeria Montelongo
Scholar: 2010
Irvin High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at University of Texas at Austin (2015, Biochemistry)
“The program showed me how important it is to work as a team and it helped me to understand how a research.”
Dayna Muniz
Scholar: 2000-2001
Administrative Assistant: 2002
Franklin High School Graduate
Stanford University Graduate (2005, Chicano Studies and Cultural Anthropology)
University of California, Berkeley Graduate (2009, Masters of Art, Geography)
Stanford University, Manager of Housing Student Programs (2008-Present)
“Community Scholars exposed me to research and to technical writing which was a great asset in college.”
Iman Ortiz
Scholar: 2011
Coronado High School Student
“I have gained great research and writing skills and feel a step ahead for college.”
Brian Peng
Scholar: 2004
Franklin High School Graduate
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate (2009, Accountancy)
Internal Revenue Service, Las Vegas, NV (2010-Present)
“Community Scholars taught me a lot about hard work, working with others in a professional environment, and really gave me a taste of the professional world.”
Kellie Reed
Scholar: 2003
Franklin High School Graduate
University of Texas at Austin Graduate (2008, Business Honors)
University of Texas Houston Medical School (2012, Medicine)
“Community Scholars is a great program! I learned the value of a work environment, research, and presentations. I think it definitely gave me a strong edge as I started business school at UT-Austin.”
Jorge L. Reyes, Jr.
Supervisor: 2009-2010
Administrative Assistant: 2010
Burges High School Graduate (2005)
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2009, B.A. Political Science)
Graduate Student at the University of Texas El Paso (2012, Masters Public Administration)
Texas House of Representatives, Legal Aide, Austin, TX (2011)
Future Attorney/Politician
“I’ve always been impressed with the work the organization produces. It undoubtedly is one of El Paso’s assets, as it changes the city’s future one mind at a time.”
Lana Ruck
Scholar: 2007
Burges High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at Texas Tech University (2012, Zoology)
“Community Scholars was a great program that taught me how to objectively research topics and write about them. It greatly improved my writing skills and helped me learn about my community.”
Jesus R. Sanchez
Scholar: 2008
Burges High School Graduate
University of Texas at El Paso (2013, Mechanical Engineering)
El Paso Community College, Math Tutor (2011-Present)
“This program helped me in my speaking skills, interview and be professional, do extensive research, and network in college and in the workforce”
Kellie D. Starr
Supervisor: 2003, 2006
Andress High School Graduate (1999)
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2003, B.A. Political Science)
University of Texas Law School Graduate (2007, J.D.)
Current El Paso County Public Defender
“I joined Community Scholars as a supervisor in 2003 and it changed the way I looked at and thought about El Paso. I plan to continue serving my community, both in my capacity as an attorney and through continued work with Community Scholars.”
Kundan Verma
Scholar: 2006-2007
Coronado High School Graduate (2008)
Undergraduate Student at the University of Texas at Austin (B.S. Pre-Med)
Future Physician
“The organization first introduced me to a full-scale research, improving both my writing skills and my critical thinking. As a former summer researcher at Texas Tech, the information I learned was invaluable.”
Fabens Independent School District
Aydee Alvarado
Scholar: 2006
Publications Assistant: 2009
Administrative Assistant: 2010
Fabens High School Graduate (2008)
Undergraduate Student at Texas A&M University (2011, B.A. Psychology)
Future Social Worker
“My experience in the program helped further develop my leadership skills, as well as my work ethic. I see myself more open to new ideas and want to return to make my community a better place for generations to come.”
Michael Esparza, Jr.
Scholar: 2003-2004
Supervisor: 2009-2010
Operations Assistant: 2009
Fabens High School Graduate (2004)
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2009, B.A. Political Science)
Graduate Student at the University of Texas at El Paso and Carleton University (2011, Masters of Political Science)
Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Texas at El Paso (2009-Present)
Future Political Science Professor
“It certainly put me in an advantageous position when applying to college and scholarships. Most importantly, it made me realize that public policy was the key to increasing the quality of life here in El Paso, and that I wanted to have a hand in it.”
Private Schools
Selina Aguilar
Scholar: 2001-2002
Administrative Assistant: 2003
Father Yermo High School Graduate
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (Pre-Pharmacy)
University of Texas at Austin Graduate (2008, Pharmacy)
University of Texas at El Paso, Clinical Assistant Professor (2010-Present)
“My time spent with Community Scholars, helped build the person I am today. The strong sense of community pride that was established years ago still remains.”
Steven Arellano
Scholar: 2005
Cathedral High School Graduate
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2009, Business Management)
Graduate Student at Ohio State University (2013, Law)
“The research, interview and writing skills that I was able to learn through the program have been helpful both in pursuit of my undergraduate degree and now in law school.”
Aaron Gonzalez
Supervisor: 1998-1999
Cathedral High School Graduate
University of Texas at Austin Graduate (1999, Government)
American University-Washington College of Law (2004, Law Degree)
University of Los Angeles, Regional Director of Development (2008-Present)
“Community Scholars opened my eyes to the many issues fronterizos encounter every day. From the lack of support of the state government, to the lack of investment from national companies that do business in El Paso. It made me have a deeper love and respect for the people of my community.”
Socorro Independent School District
Carinna Arvizo
Scholar: 2008
El Dorado High School Student
Dartmouth Bound Great Issues Summer Program (2009)
“Community Scholars has opened many doors for me. It was also an invigorating experience that made me a better individual and thinks of what is best for the community.”
Melina Banuelos
Scholar: 1999
Americas High School Graduate
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2006: Civil Engineering)
CSA Design Group, Project Engineer, El Paso, TX (2007-Present)
“It was my first job so I learned quickly how to communicate with my superiors and co-workers. The research experience was a great tool in preparation for college and the presentations provided hands on experience of what makes a great speaker.”
Adam Escajeda
Scholar: 2008-2009
Montwood High School Graduate (2009)
Undergraduate Student at Arizona State University (B.S. Biology)
Future Dentist
“This program has been an indispensible part of my life. I will use the skills I gained throughout college, and hopefully for the rest of my life.”
Arturo Escajeda
Scholar: 2006
Montwood High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at Boston University (English/Neurobiology)
“Community Scholars was an invaluable experience; I learned a lot about working as a team, conducting and organizing research and using this information in a productive and efficient manner.”
Susan Garcia Torres
Scholar: 1999-2000
Montwood High School Graduate
University of Texas Graduate, Nursing (2005)
University of Phoenix, Business (2009)
El Paso Kidney Specialists Access Center, Center Manager, El Paso, TX (2009-Present)
“This program taught me leadership skills and helped me to develop better communication skills and showed me the importance of giving back to my community.”
Gisel Garcia
Scholar: 2007
Americas High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at New Mexico State University (Psychology)
“Community Scholars helped me to build my confidence and feel prepared for my future.”
Bertha Herrera
Scholar: 1999
Americas High School Graduate (2001)
Saint Xavier University Graduate (2007, B.S. Communication Sciences & Disorders)
University of Texas at El Paso (2010, Master’s of Speech Pathology)
“Community Scholars opened my eyes to the importance of being involved in one’s community and taking an interest in social issues that affect us all. My experiences have continued to [have an] impact as I grow older, especially on issues such as immigration and poverty.”
Pablo Galindo-Payan
Scholar: 2008-2009
Supervisor: 2010
Americas High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at Brown University (2013)
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Congressional Intern, Washington D.C. (Summer 2011)
“My exposure to public policy research has allowed me to develop my ability to research, synthesize my findings to formulate conclusions, and effectively communicate my findings to others—all of which are qualities that will help me succeed academic and professionally.”
Sonia Felicia Garcia
Scholar: 2008-2009
Mission Early College Student (2010)
Undergraduate Student at Boston College
“I was given the ability to earn work experience and help my family financially. I was also able to see what my life could be like in four to five years, through the people I’ve met and interviewed because of the organization. The success I have achieved in college and with my employment opportunities are due to my experiences as a Community Scholar.”
Armando Martínez, Jr.
Scholar: 2003-2004
Supervisor: 2005-2007
Montwood High School Graduate (2004)
Austin College Graduate (2008, B.A. Political Science)
Santa Fe Youth Services (Ft. Worth, TX), Prevention Specialist (2009-Present)
Renee Padilla
Scholar: 2002-2003
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate (2007, Criminal Justice)
“The public speaking, writing, and presentation skills that I acquired while working with Community Scholars has helped me in high school, college, and as a professional.”
Rebecca Rodriguez
Scholar: 2007
Socorro High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at St. Mary’s University (2012, Biology)
Oregon Health and Science University, Research Intern, Portland, Oregon (Summer 2011)
“I have become more confident in my leadership abilities. I developed great organization skills, teamwork skills, and communication skills.”
Alma Elizabeth Rico
Scholar: 2001
Montwood High School Graduate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2006, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science)
PA Consulting Group, Inc., Arlington, VA (2007-Present)
“Community scholars gave me the opportunity to work in a professional setting, develop research and presentation skills, and exposed me to a team environment. The experience helped me build skills that are crucial not only in college but in any future career.”
Viridiana Sanchez
Scholar: 2011
El Dorado High School Student
“I've become aware that it isn't about how much you know, or what you know, but what's important is what you do with the knowledge you've gained, how you give back to your community. I hope to continue to contribute and participate in Community Scholars in order to motivate upcoming generations to invest in their community by returning to El Paso”
Tornillo Independent School District
Zach Brooks
Scholar: 2006
Tornillo High School Graduate (2008)
Undergraduate Student at the University of Texas at Austin (2012, Business & Exercise Science)
In the future, wants to work for a sports team in some capacity or continue my education with a certification in physical therapy. His dream job is to be the manager/CEO of a professional sports team or own a chain of performance-enhancing and rehabilitation clinics
“Community Scholars gave me the opportunity to learn what it was like to work in a fast-paced environment while also shouldering responsibility for our group project. This helped me because the business world is very fast paced and people rely on you to complete assignments on schedule.”
Ysleta Independent School District
Cynthia Cintron
Scholar: 2007-2008
Riverside High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at the University of Texas at El Paso (2013, Nursing)
“Community Scholars is a great program that helps the youth of El Paso gain writing, speaking and presentation skills as well as helping them realize that El Paso is a wonderful city and inspires us to keep contributing to our community!”
Herman Ryan Cordero
Scholar: 2005
Bel Air High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at the University of Texas at El Paso (2012, Mechanical Engineering)
“Community Scholars allowed me the opportunity to learn about El Paso in many different areas. I gained valuable work experience (i.e. working in a professional environment, working in groups, deadlines, etc.) that I have used in other internships.”
Siria Cruz
Scholar: 2010
Eastwood High School Graduate (2011)
Undergraduate Student at the University of Texas at El Paso (Biomedical Science)
Ysleta Independent School District, Clerk (2010-Present)
“I graduated as salutatorian of my high school class and I am currently employed with YISD. I attribute my success to the invaluable experiences and skills I gained at Community Scholars.”
Daniel de Robles
Scholar: 1998-1999
Supervisor: 2000
Parkland High School Graduate (2000)
Trinity University Graduate, Engineering Science (2003)
Army Corps of Engineers, Resident Engineer, San Antonio, TX (2008-Present)
“My first supervisory experience with the organization helped when I was an officer in the military and now as a supervisor with the Army Corps of Engineers. The program helped develop leadership and confidence in me.”
Jacquelyn Estrada
Scholar: 2010
Riverside High School Student
University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business Intern (Present)
National Girl Scout Leadership Institute Scholar (2011)
University Medical Center, Junior Volunteer (Present)
“Being part of Community Scholars was a great experience it helped me to be a better leader, team player, hard worker and to interact with important and professional people.”
Katherine L. Eyberg
Scholar: 2007
Eastwood High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at University of Texas at Austin (English, Spanish, Education)
University of Texas at Austin, Uteach Outreach Section Leader, Austin, TX (2010-Present)
“Community Scholars has increased my perception for regional development and appreciation for political processes. I attribute all of my academic success through high school to the skills I acquired through this outstanding organization.”
Marjorie Ingle
Scholar: 2005-2006
Eastwood High School Graduate (2006)
Undergraduate Student at the University of Texas at El Paso (B.S. Mechanical Engineering)
Center for Space Exploration Technology Research at UTEP, Research Assistant (2007-Present)
Published research in International Test and Evaluation Association Journal (2011)
Future NASA Engineer
“As a result of my involvement in Community Scholars, I was offered a research fellowship that has employed me for the past three years of my Undergraduate work. I have also received several merit-based scholarships that I can attribute, at least in part, to my involvement with Community Scholars.”
Marco Hernandez
Scholar: 2005-2006
Bel Air High School Graduate (2006)
Stanford University Graduate, Italian Studies (2010)
Google, Inc., Books and News Associate, Mountain View, CA (2010-Present)
“Community Scholars provided me an opportunity to do hands-on research.”
Amanda Macias
Scholar: 2011
Bel Air High School Student
“Because of this program I am now capable of handling stress and technical writing. It has been an amazing experience.”
Sarah Macias
Scholar: 2008
Bel Air High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at the University of Texas at Austin (2014, Biology/Pre-Med)
“Community Scholars opened the doors to the educational opportunities presented to me. I attribute the scholarship I received from UT Austin for school to my experience at Community Scholars.”
Alejandro Marquez
Supervisor: 2009
Hanks High School Graduate (2006)
Georgetown University Graduate, International Politics (2010)
Graduate Student at University of Texas at Austin (Latin American Studies/Global Policy Studies)
Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc., New York, NY (2011 Summer Intern)
“Community Scholars has helped me realize that El Paso has great economic and cultural potential for the (near) future. It will take a generation of forward-looking individuals to see this goal accomplished and I think this program is contributing in this respect.”
Pauline Marie Matthews
Scholar 2008
Parkland High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at the University of Texas at Austin (English)
El Paso Community Foundation, Summer Intern (2011)
“Community Scholars gave me more confidence in my writing and speaking abilities so that I was able to join organizations at UT Austin such as the Liberal Arts Research Journal and being a Longhorn Scholars Mentor.”
Jesus Medrano
Scholar: 2004
Del Valle High School Graduate
University of Texas at El Paso Graduate, Graphic Design (2010)
Ysleta Independent School District, Substitute Teacher (2009-Present)
“Community Scholars takes steps forward in the right direction by empowering youths with the knowledge and realization that advancement for their community is within their grasp and influence.”
Rebecca Montes
Scholar: 2009
Del Valle High School Graduate
Undergraduate Student at St. Mary’s University (2014, Corporate Finance)
“My internship at Community Scholars was a pathway to greater leadership and opened doors for me that otherwise may have been unattainable.”
Vincent Pérez
Scholar: 1999
Bel Air High School Graduate (2000)
Georgetown University Graduate, B.S.F.S. International Politics (2004), M.A. International Law and Government (2006)
Communications Director, U.S. Congressmen Silvestre Reyes (2011)
Press Assistant, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (2008-2010)
Legislative Aide, U.S. Congress (2007-2008)
“As a Community Scholars intern, I developed valuable research and communications skills that continue to help me to this day. Above all, it helped me to understand the unique public policy challenges that confront our community, and sparked my desire to make a difference.”
Nicole Sanders
Scholar: 2001-2002
Hanks High School Graduate (2002)
Southern Methodist University Graduate (B.A. Corporate Communications &Public Affairs)
Nonprofit Organization Employee
“When I interviewed for internships and jobs, employers were often interested in what Community Scholars did for El Paso. The program was a wonderful opportunity to learn and refine many skills that I used in my career.”
Corina Serrano
Scholar: 2003-2004
Del Valle High School Graduate (2004)
Macalester College Graduate (2004, B.A. Economics, Political Science-Urban Studies )
Washington County and Redevelopment Authority, Housing Specialist, St. Paul Park, MN (2009- Present)
Certified National Foreclosure Mitigation Counselor, HUD Certified and Fannie Mae Approved Housing Counselor, HUD and AARP Certified Reverse Mortgage Counselor.
Sits on the Twin Cities Metro Advisory Board for Housing Counseling Agencies
“The program definitely set the path for my undergraduate studies and contributed to my acceptance into Macalester College. My interest in housing also began at Community Scholars and I have now begun my fourth year in the field.”
