El Paso, TX – CREEED is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of its F.A.S.T. Rising College Scholarship and Excelencia Scholarship for Future Educators. These scholarships support high-achieving students from El Paso County who are pursuing a four-year college degree, which aligns with CREEED’s mission to increase the number of students with college degrees and credentials in the region.
This year’s scholarship recipients stood out for their academic excellence, extracurricular accomplishments, leadership, and passion for making a lasting impact in their chosen fields.
Excelencia Scholarship for Future Educators Recipient:
- Isela Palacios, a senior at Mission Early College High School with a 4.0 GPA, will attend the University of Texas at El Paso to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education.
F.A.S.T. Rising College Scholarship Recipients:
- Celeste Ojeda-Manzano, a senior from Fabens High School (Fabens ISD) with a 3.87 GPA, will attend Texas Tech University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in actuarial science.
- Crystal Carrasco, a senior from Anthony High School (Anthony ISD) with a 3.72 GPA, will attend the University of Texas at El Paso to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
- Elizabeth Martinez, a senior from San Elizario High School (San Elizario ISD) with a 4.0 GPA, will attend the University of Texas at El Paso to study nursing.
“These students represent the drive, talent, and potential we aim to support through our scholarship programs,” said Nadia Tellez, Director of Choose to Excel at CREEED. “Through the F.A.S.T. Rising and Excelencia Scholarships, we are reducing financial barriers and helping students take the next big step toward earning a degree and building a strong future for themselves and our region. By investing in their futures, we’re also investing in the future of our region – ensuring El Paso has a strong, educated workforce and a robust pipeline of future educators and professionals.”
Each scholarship includes a one-time $2,500 award. The F.A.S.T. Rising College Scholarship is available to high school seniors in El Paso County’s rural districts of Fabens, Anthony, San Elizario, and Tornillo. The Excelencia Scholarship for Future Educators is open to students across all local districts who plan to pursue a career in education.
Both programs build on past scholarships CREEED has established to support and increase the number of El Paso County students pursuing and obtaining college degrees and credentials. To date, CREEED has awarded $40,000 in scholarships to 16 students in El Paso’s public education system.
For more information about CREEED’s scholarship programs, visit www.creeed.org or contact Nadia Tellez at ntellez@creeed.org.
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