UTEP One of Only Three Texas Institutions to Earn TRIO Grant
Awarded $375,000 from Department of Education to strengthen students’ access to college
EL PASO, Texas (Sept. 15, 2026) – The Educational Talent Search (ETS) Program at The University of Texas at El Paso has received a highly competitive TRIO Talent Search grant. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the $375,000 grant supports national institutions and organizations that motivate middle and high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds to finish high school and earn a college degree.
“This award reflects UTEP’s deep commitment to our community and to providing access to excellent higher education,” said Amanda Vasquez-Vicario, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment management. “By connecting more students to higher education opportunities, we not only open doors for students but also help create a culture where college feels possible while preparing the next generation of professionals who will make a lasting impact in our region.”
As an established TRIO program, UTEP ETS has a history of receiving the Talent Search grant to help students overcome barriers to higher education. Existing grantees compete with applicants nationwide and undergo a rigorous peer-review process assessing multiple factors such as community need, service quality and measurable student outcomes.
“The grant represents a continuation of the University's longstanding commitment to expanding college access and educational opportunity for students from underserved backgrounds throughout the El Paso region,” said Jesse Hernandez, the ETS director at UTEP. “This increase reflects the U.S. Department of Education's confidence in UTEP's effectiveness and capacity to deliver high-quality college access and success services.”
As part of its comprehensive services, the UTEP ETS program provides college preparation support, financial aid education, career exploration opportunities, and assistance with the college application and enrollment process.
In partnership with the UTEP Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, ETS leads workshops for high school seniors, increasing the number of students who secure UTEP scholarships, including institutional and state-funded awards, and contributing to higher UTEP enrollment rates among ETS seniors. The program has also achieved a 100% college enrollment rate for its 12th-grade participants.
ETS also facilities a summer program for high schoolers to be exposed to their first college-level course, achieving a 100% pass rate among participants. College visits also introduce students to the higher education experience.
The program’s outreach currently serves the El Paso Independent School District. Through year-round recruitment and engagement, the program supports families and students from target schools Bowie High School and Jefferson High School, as well as feeder schools Dr. Josefina Villamil Tinajero Middle School and Guillen Middle School.
Over the next five years, the new funding will allow ETS to expand outreach by 21%, reaching a total of 750 students across all grade levels at its existing target high schools.
"We are truly grateful for the continued support provided through this TRIO grant,” Hernandez said. “With the new grant, we will continue strengthening our college preparation efforts while expanding access to academic and career preparation aligned with postsecondary education and workforce pathways, including apprenticeships. The UTEP Educational Talent Search Program will also broaden opportunities for students to participate in programs leading to industry-recognized credentials."
Last Updated on September 16, 2026 at 12:00 AM | Originally published September 16, 2026
By UTEP Marketing and Communications
