UTEP Archer Program

Congratulations Archer Fellows Alexa Carranco and Angel Martinez!!

Meet UTEP student Barbara Molina Valles; she’s currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology and political science. Molina received the Dr. Joseph B. Graves, Jr. Endowed Scholarship in Political Science, which has given her the freedom to focus on her career plans.
"One of the most significant ways this scholarship has impacted me is by supporting my participation in the Archer Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C., where I was one of the students representing UTEP in Fall 2024. Additionally, I had the opportunity to intern with the Latin America Working Group (LAWG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for human rights-based U.S. policies toward Latin America."
Molina also had the opportunity to study abroad in Quintana Roo, Mexico. This experience broadened her horizons while focusing on policymaking and advocacy for sensitive cases with a global perspective.
"I entirely focused on maximizing my experience, engaging with policymakers, and refining my advocacy and public policy skills. Building on these academic and professional experiences, I plan to pursue law school to further develop my ability to advocate effectively for policy reforms. I aspire to work in a legal or policy-driven role that promotes justice and equity through legislative advocacy, nonprofit work, or government service."
Community support makes experiences like Molina’s possible! Mark your calendar for Raise Your Pick Giving Day 2025 and give to the programs and student resources that mean the most to you. Early giving kicks off at noon (MT) on Tuesday, April 22, and the campaign ends at 8 p.m. (MT) on Wednesday, April 23. Learn more: https://givingday.utep.edu/

Congratulations Alexa!!!

Meet Alexa Carranco, a Chicano Studies studies student with a passion for her history.

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I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. I attended Burges Early College High School in Official El Paso Independent School District before transferring to Loretto Academy, where I graduated.

I decided to study Chicano Studies with a minor in Legal Reasoning based on the notion that our history as Chicanos and Latinos deserves to be documented and honored. From a young age, my father introduced me and my siblings to Mexican American literature. Authors such as Rodolfo Anaya, Victor Villaseñor, and Laura Esquivel, among others, and music from Sunny Ozuna and Little Joe y La Familia made my upbringing.

Since starting college, I have been involved in Texas Rising for about two years and was promoted to the Advocacy Field Organizer for the El Paso region. I moved on to become Deputy Field Organizer, Vice President, then President of the non-profit. I was Secretary of the Chicano Law Society, Associate Supreme Court Justice for the Student Government Association, and more recently, a Harry Truman Scholarship finalist.

This fall, I will be interning and attending school in Washington, D.C., through the UT System’s Archer Fellowship (The Archer Center). After graduating this fall, I plan on working in immigration and border policy for the El Paso/Juarez region. It has become a calling of mine to work in immigration policy after my internships with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, Commissioner Iliana Holguin and working with various nonprofit immigration organizations through my time with Texas Rising.

I am a relatively shy person and initially found it difficult to put myself out there, especially as a community organizer. Despite that, I encourage all UTEP students to always follow their passion and purpose within their community; I found mine through community organizing with my friends. My advice is to be kind to yourself and patient with the processes within higher education. Whatever is meant for you will find you, and accept everything as it comes with peace and gratitude.

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UTEP can also make you an aspiring leader. Learn more about the Chicano Studies department here: https://utepn.ws/3X1Fd2F

Get to know our Spring 2024 Archer Fellows! These 48 young leaders just wrapped up their first day as interns in our nation's capital, and we look forward to sharing their stories with you in the coming months.

Exciting news: Our current cohort represents all nine academic institutions of The University of Texas System, including our very first Archer Fellow from Stephen F. Austin State University!

Meet the Fellows: archercenter.org/spring2024.html

Wishing all an amazing semester!!!!

Our New Year's resolution is to always begin a new semester at sunrise. 😉

Welcome to our nation's capital, Spring 2024 Archer Fellows!

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2024!

Yesterday, was a very important day for our UTEP Fall Archer Fellows. They concluded their program and had the opportunity to have Crystal Saavedra (2013 UTEP Archer Fellow) as the Archer Alumn Keynote Speaker!

Congratulations to all!! 💙🧡

The Archer Center

If you missed our information sessions…..that’s ok! Reach out to Arturo Barrio at [email protected]!

There’s still time to learn more about this opportunity!

Thank you to all the students who participated in our information sessions! We look forward to seeing your applications!