Scholars List

High School: El Paso High School, Class of 2011
College: University of Texas at Austin

A proud El Paso High School graduate (Class of 2021), is currently studying Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin. He aims to attend medical school and specialize in neurology to improve healthcare for economically disadvantaged communities, including his hometown of El Paso. Jaime has gained extensive experience as an undergraduate researcher, working on miRNA-based Alzheimer's therapies, and has served as a medical scribe in cardiology, neurology, and oncology. He is an active member of Nu Rho Psi, Friends of Memorial Park Public Library, and Synapse.

High School: Irvin High School, Class of 2021
College: University of Texas at Austin

A proud Irvin Rocket graduate and salutatorian of the class of 2021. She took part in various clubs and organizations while in high school, including Colorguard, Key Club, Yearbook, Student Council, National Honors Society, and Rocket Newt Tech Council. She is recognized as the 2021 All Irvin Girl, Most Outstanding Rocket, Outstanding Citizen, and is a Who’s Who recipient.


At The University of Texas at Austin, Mia is pursuing a degree in the Plan II Honors Program and is actively inquiring about a second major. She hopes to open an ice cream shop one day after following a career path she discovers while attending the university.

High School: El Dorado High School 2021
College: University of Texas at Austin

A recent 2021 graduate from El Dorado High School. In 2019, Demain proudly represented Socorro Independent School District when he participated in the El Paso Strong Reading Series. During the event, which took place at the Philanthropy Theater at the Plaza Theater in downtown El Paso, he read a monologue based on what he felt and experienced during the moments he heard about the Walmart shooting on August 3, 2019.

Demain is currently attending his first semester at The University of Texas at Austin and is pursuing a double major in Plan II Honors and Theater and Dance.

Graduated as a first-class graduate from Pebble Hills High School with a 3.87 GPA. She competed in Science UIL and Journalism UIL, served as Editor-In-Chief of the yearbook for two years, and ran varsity cross country. She was active in the National Honor Society, Student Council, and co-founded a suicide prevention program called Project Hope to raise awareness on campus.

Now at the University of Texas at Austin, Valerie plans to major in Social Work with a minor in Government. She is involved in the Subiendo Longhorn Chapter, which focuses on outreach to high school juniors. Valerie hopes to give back to her hometown and help families facing border challenges, expressing gratitude for the support she received to pursue her dreams.

High School: Eastwood High School, Class 2020

College: University of Texas at Austin

Eastwood High School graduate from El Paso (Class of 2020), is now a Kinesiology Exercise Science student at the University of Texas at Austin. A passionate advocate for cognitive and physical fitness, Christian aims to attend medical school and specialize in neurology. His expertise includes exercise physiology, educational neuroscience, and health innovation through data science. He currently volunteering with the Project MALES program as a Latino student mentor, guiding them in academics and well-being. His interests focus on disease prevention, brain health, and using education to enhance fitness for all.

Graduated as salutatorian from Cathedral High School with a 4.67 GPA. He was president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the pre-med club, and helped lead the basketball team to a 28-7 record. Eduardo also participated in "El Otro Lado," giving cultural and historical tours of the border to visiting students from cities like Chicago and New York. While at Cathedral, he earned an associate's degree from El Paso Community College and made the President's List.

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Now a mechanical engineering major at UT Austin, Eduardo is involved with the Texas Wranglers, engaging in community service. He plans to graduate in May 2023 with a Mechanical Engineering degree, a Business minor, and a Computer Science certificate, aiming to return to El Paso to give back to his community.

High School: Eastwood High School
College: University of Texas at Austin

A proud Eastwood High School graduate and is studying design in the College of Fine Arts at The University of Texas at Austin. She was very involved with her high school community, participating in organizations and clubs such as the National Art Honor Society and the Book Club. She hopes to join movements bigger than herself as she pursues her higher education.

Currently a first-year student, Salma hopes to find ways to help her community through design better and couldn’t be more grateful to the El Paso in Austin Network for allowing her to pursue her passions.

High School: Valle Verde Early College High School
College: University of Texas at Austin

Studying accounting at the Red McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. Her academic goal is to be apart of the integrated MPA program offered at UT and graduate with CPA licenses by Spring 2023.


Nini graduated from Valle Verde Early College High School and as a UT student, she is active with the Asian Business Student Association. She has also been able to find time to balance academics with her hobbies, which include acrylic painting, playing badminton, and baking. Nini is a talented cartoonist and you may check out her work on Instagram under the @sundae.nini handle.

2020 Salutatorian for Canutillo High School and is attending the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin in pursuit of a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering.

Zaida was an Eagle Pride Marching Band Section Leader and a Concert Band First Chair of the French Horn section. She served in organizations such as the National Honor Society as President, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Ambassador for Computer Science, Girls Who Code, Math Team, Science Team, and played Varsity Girls Soccer.

Zaida has been recognized as a Who’s Who Award recipient, AP Scholar with Distinction, and from the National Hispanic Recognition Program. While in high school she volunteered regularly at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and held an internship at AEG, LLC Mechanical Engineers.

High School: Socorro High School

College: University of Texas at Austin

graduated with the Socorro High School class of 2020. After moving to El Paso from California, she attended Del Norte Heights elementary, Hurshel Antwine Elementary, and Rafael Hernando Middle school. Her family has lived in El Paso for almost ten years and has fallen in love with the welcoming community as well as the drive people have for success. She confidently states that the city is what has motivated her to become the best version of herself. Chathrini attends The University of Texas at Austin, with the help from the El Paso In Austin Foundation, and couldn’t be more grateful for the impact El Paso has made on her journey to higher education.

Graduated with a 4.2 GPA in the top 5% of her class at Valle Verde Early College High School. She held leadership roles as President of Future Business Leaders of America for three years and Treasurer of Future Health Professions of America, while also participating in National Honor Society, SHPE, Mu Alpha Theta, VEX Robotics, and STEM. She earned the Honorary Leonidas Award.

Currently attending the University of Texas at Austin, Angela is majoring in Neuroscience/Pre-Medicine with a minor in Business Administration. She is involved in Synapse Neuroscience Academy, Women in Medicine, and the Freshman Research Initiative, conducting independent research on neuronal gene expression and behavior. Angela aspires to become a family physician, aiming to enhance healthcare in El Paso. She expresses deep gratitude for the scholarship support that fuels her dreams.

Graduated third in her class from Parkland High School with a 4.0 GPA. She balanced her academics with leadership roles and extracurriculars, including the National Honor Society, Army JROTC, and Parkland's Theater Troupe. As a Cadet Major, she oversaw over 100 cadets, and in theater, she directed two plays, acted in 19, and served as Theater Troupe President. She earned All-Star Cast in the UIL One-Act Play competition three times.

Now at the University of Texas at Austin, Ashley is majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders, focusing on speech pathology. She is involved in the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Lang Stuttering Institute Student Leadership Organization, supporting people with speech disorders. She credits El Paso in Austin for helping her pursue her dreams in one of the top speech pathology programs in the country.

A graduate of Americas High School and was involved with in speech and debate, the National Honor Society, and Business Professionals of America, among other organizations.

Jared ventured into his community and altar-served at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church; learning to give back to others in a faith-based way, improving any environment with a sense of humility and compassion. Serving as a bell ringer for the El Paso Salvation Army during the Christmas season, and accumulating cans for El Pasoans Fighting Hunger are a few of the community service projects he participated in to give back to the caring community of El Paso.

As a student a UT Austin, he plans to attain a degree where he can give back to a community in need. Becoming a lawyer or doctor with a background in business are the career pursuits he aspires to achieve. Jared says that no matter what the future may hold, he will strive to make a difference within any community, filled with the determination to help others.