Wired For Wellness
Electric Company Charitable Foundation Invests $25,000 in Texas Tech Health El Paso Students to Grow Our Own
New scholarships transform health care dreams into reality at Texas Tech Health El Paso’s annual Welcome Back Fiesta
When the Electric Company Charitable Foundation announced a new investment at Texas Tech Health El Paso’s fourth annual Welcome Back Fiesta on Wednesday, Sept. 24, they weren’t just supporting individual students — they were investing in the future of health care access across our Borderplex.
The $25,000 commitment, split between nursing and dental programs, provides opportunities for local students to train here and serve the communities that influenced them.
“The Electric Company Charitable Foundation truly understands that scholarship assistance can transform lives for students and their families,” said Robert Almanzan, president of the Electric Company Charitable Foundation. “It opens doors to high income-earning jobs. Students who receive scholarship support from the foundation are often first-generation college students who can now pursue their dreams of becoming nurses or dentists in our community.”
The scholarship announcement coincided with the campus celebrating a milestone: more than 1,400 students and clinical residents now call Texas Tech Health El Paso home, including 294 new students, along with 361 medical residents and, for the first time, dental residents.
These aren’t just numbers — they represent future health care providers who’ll understand the cultural nuances, language needs and economic challenges facing El Paso families because they’ve lived them.
The Welcome Back Fiesta, held on the Medical Science Building II lawn, showcased the university’s commitment to fostering community connections. As the aroma of fresh flautas wafted across campus — celebrating the rich culinary heritage of our Borderplex — students, residents, fellows, faculty and staff gathered for activities that recognized both academic achievement and community spirit.
Students lined up to dunk President Richard Lange, M.D., M.B.A., in the return of Dunk‑A‑Dean, while the new Techman Maze race featured contestants competing against each other as they rushed through a Texas Tech double-T-shaped maze for a prize. The event demonstrated how a challenging health care journey can stay grounded in celebration.
Local mascots Hope Fox, Amigo Man, Ozzy from El Paso Locomotive FC, and the university’s own award-winning Teeth Rex were at the event. They mingled with students, created photo opportunities and memorable dance scenes to enjoy.
These partnerships reflect a broader truth: Texas Tech Health El Paso’s success depends on engagement, and the community’s health depends on having providers who truly understand El Paso.
Hunt School of Nursing
The Hunt School of Nursing prepares the next generation of culturally competent nurses to serve our Borderplex community, addressing critical nursing shortages through innovative educational programs. For nursing students receiving the $15,000 in Hunt School of Nursing scholarships, this aid removes financial barriers that often prevent talented students from pursuing education locally.
“I definitely want to stay here in El Paso,” said Clarissa Sanchez, who started the nursing program in July. The Eastlake High School graduate is excited about the new scholarship helping native El Pasoans like her.
“All my family is here, and I really want to apply my desire to help people in the community where I grew up. The nursing program gives me the ability to directly impact people’s health and well-being right here at home.”
Hunt School of Dental Medicine
The Hunt School of Dental Medicine trains future dentists equipped with bilingual skills and cultural understanding to serve West Texas and the borderlands region. The $10,000 allocated for Hunt School of Dental Medicine students addresses a critical shortage in Texas dental care where cultural competency and bilingual skills make a difference.
First-year dental student Annie Tian of Plano, Texas, expressed her gratitude for scholarships.
“The university chose to invest in me,” she said. “It’s an honor, and I want to make sure that I’m living up to those standards by helping the community I now serve.”
Foster School of Medicine
The Foster School of Medicine leads innovative medical education by focusing on meeting the unique health care needs of the El Paso region through responsive, innovative care and bilingual medical training.
First-year medical student and scholarship recipient Alejandra Roman appreciated celebrating her hometown of El Paso.
“I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because it has always been a protector of my community,” said Roman. “It’s been my dream to provide the best care to my community.”
Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
The Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences conducts pioneering research while training the next generation of biomedical scientists. With the upcoming launch of a new Ph.D. program in 2026, it will open new pathways for students to pursue advanced medical and dental education and research careers that benefit our community.
“My goal is to get into the Hunt School of Dental Medicine, and I knew the Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences would be my best path to sharpen my study habits and revisit any concepts I wasn't solid on,” said Joseph Lee, a first-year biomedical sciences graduate student from Dallas. “So far, this community has been incredible. I've really enjoyed becoming familiar with what this program offers. And honestly, I'm loving it—both the graduate program and El Paso.”
As these students progress through their programs, they’re not just becoming health care professionals — they’re becoming the culturally competent, bilingual providers their families and neighbors need.
About the Electric Company Charitable Foundation
Established in 2023, the ECC Foundation is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization established by El Paso Electric to support initiatives that uplift and empower the communities it serves. Through grants and partnerships, the Foundation focuses on advancing education, economic development, and environmental stewardship across West Texas and southern New Mexico.
About Texas Tech Health El Paso
Texas Tech Health El Paso serves 108 counties in West Texas and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of health care heroes. Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a uniquely innovative destination for medical, nursing, biomedical sciences and dental education.
Focusing on excellence in health care education, research, and clinical service, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated over 2,600 professionals since 2013, including its first cohort of dental graduates in 2025. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.