Local McDonald's franchise owner Richard Castro is yet again making an imprint on education in El Paso, continuing a partnership with El Paso Community College (EPCC) and The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) to grant scholarships to students in need, according to EPCC News. Castro's initiative, the McDonald's El Paso Scholarship Program, will award $50,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, an effort boosted by a matching grant from the EPCC Foundation, effectively doubling the total scholarship funds to $100,000.
In its sixth year, the scholarship program aims to cover full tuition and fees for the first year of college for 11 students, each scholarship being worth about $3,264 for 12 credit hours per semester according to what EPCC News released, these financial aids are more than a mere gesture but a means to embolden the educational and subsequent life trajectories of the scholars the program searches to lift and support. Richard Castro told EPCC News, "The initiative's sole purpose is to provide financial support to local, dedicated students who don't have the financial means to realize their academic goals and seek an opportunity to better their lives through education." Castro's dedication is echoed by educational leaders, acknowledging the broader impact of such scholarships.
As obtained by EPCC News, Dr. William Serrata, President of EPCC, emphasized the significance of the scholarship initiative, saying, “Earning a college degree is an important opportunity which will not only make a difference for the scholarship recipients, but also for their families and generations to come.” The scholarships are considered an investment in the community’s future, preparing graduates to contribute effectively to local growth and development.
