schools
Opinion: El Paso youth are showing resilience, but they need more community support
By Special to El Paso Matters at El Paso Matters
· June 22, 2026
· 3 min read
By Reyna Castillo
Every day at Project Vida, we meet young people who inspire us.
Reyna Castillo
They are leaders in their schools, caregivers for younger siblings, advocates in their communities and role models for their peers. They navigate multiple cultures and languages, balance fam...
Key takeaway Reyna Castillo They are leaders in their schools, caregivers for younger siblings, advocates in their communities and role models for their peers.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The struggles faced by El Paso 's youth are deeply intertwined with the city's broader social and economic fabric. With one in four children living in poverty, it's clear that the community's economic challenges are having a profound impact on its youngest residents. The fact that 40% of young adults in El Paso County lack health insurance is a stark reminder of the need for increased access to affordable healthcare. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it's crucial that local leaders prioritize the needs of its youth, providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive. This includes investing in programs that provide mental health support, accurate health information, and safe spaces for young people to connect and build confidence. By doing so, El Paso can help its youth overcome the challenges they face and build a brighter future for themselves and the community as a whole.
About this story
Original reporting by El Paso Matters . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit El Paso Matters . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: El Paso Matters ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Reyna Castillo
Every day at Project Vida, we meet young people who inspire us.
Reyna Castillo
They are leaders in their schools, caregivers for younger siblings, advocates in their communities and role models for their peers. They navigate multiple cultures and languages, balance fam...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by El Paso Matters and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Special to El Paso Matters at El Paso Matters. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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