EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The Council on Regional Economic Expansion and Educational Development (CREEED) launched on Thursday, Feb. 27, two scholarships aimed at helping more students pursue a college degree, the nonprofit organization said.
CREEED said the scholarships “support high school seniors who plan to attend college in the fall by helping cover tuition and other costs associated with attending college, ensuring El Paso’s future workforce is college and career ready.”
“Providing opportunities for students who have done well in high school and want to continue their education is at the core of our mission to increase college and career readiness,” said Nadia Tellez, Choose to Excel director at CREEED. “Through the F.A.S.T Rising College Scholarship and the Excelencia Scholarship for Future Educators, we are committed to helping students from rural school districts and aspiring educators from all El Paso public school districts overcome financial barriers, bringing them one step closer to pursuing their dreams and graduating from college.”
F.A.S.T. Rising College Scholarship
This scholarship supports students from rural school districts in El Paso County who are committed to furthering their education at a four-year college or university, CREEED said.
CREEED said the scholarship expands the Sylvia Hopp San Elizario College Scholarship to include high school seniors from Fabens, Anthony, San Elizario, and Tornillo (F.A.S.T.) independent school districts.
Each year, CREEED will award one-time $2,500 scholarships to one senior from each of the four school districts, the nonprofit said. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and commit to attending a four-year college or university, CREEED added.
CREEED said this scholarship helps reduce financial barriers preventing rural students from enrolling in and completing college.
Excelencia Scholarship for Future Educators
In 2024, CREEED launched this scholarship to strengthen the teacher pipeline in El Paso by encouraging high school seniors to pursue a career in teaching.
Five high school students from several districts received scholarships that helped them cover tuition to become educators, CREEED said.
CREEED said each year, up to eight one-time $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors in El Paso County with a 3.5 GPA or higher committed to attending a four-year college and pursuing a degree in education.
This initiative will provide financial support to students from El Paso County attending El Paso public schools, helping to offset the costs associated with earning a degree and teaching certification, CREEED said.
Depending on career focus, eligible students can apply for one or both the F.A.S.T Rising College Scholarship and the Excelencia Scholarship for Future Educators. Applications close on Thursday, March 27.
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