COMMUNITY
Students receive more than $10K in scholarships and tools
BBB Serving New Mexico and Southwest Colorado makes presentation
Eight New Mexico students pursuing careers in skilled trades and service industries received more than $10,000 in scholarships, tools and equipment through the 2026 Southwest Community Empowerment Foundation Scholarship and Tool Awards.
The program is a partnership between the Better Business Bureau Serving New Mexico and Southwest Colorado, the SWCEF, Associated Builders and Contractors New Mexico (ABC New Mexico), IntelliTec College and industry partners.
The awards are designed to help students overcome financial barriers as they prepare to enter the workforce.
ABC New Mexico awarded six $1,000 scholarships to third-year apprentices: Elvin Hernandez of SDV Construction, studying carpentry; Daniel Szabat of Alive Electric, electrical; Huber Ceballos of ORCOM, HVAC; John White of ISHC, plumbing; Casey Craft of QA Engineering, sheet metal; and Jesus Ibarra of Intraworks, telecommunications technology.
Two IntelliTec College students also received awards. Massage therapy student Carlos Max received a massage chair to support his work with La Gloria ABQ, a wellness-focused community space in Albuquerque. Automotive student Raul Romero received tools to support his training and plans for a career as an automotive technician.
鈥淏y helping students access the tools and resources they need, we are helping them build careers while strengthening our workforce and communities,鈥� said David Swope, president and CEO of BBB Serving New Mexico and Southwest Colorado.
The scholarship recipients were recognized during the BBB Annual Luncheon Meeting July 23 at Quezada鈥檚 Comedy Club inside Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel, where the organization also honored six New Mexico businesses with its 2026 Ignite Awards for Entrepreneurship and Brian Baca Memorial Award.
The Ignite honorees were Sunforce Solar, Genesis Era Award; Mariposa Marketing, Breakthrough Era Award; AM Tax Solutions, Legacy Era Award; Print Express, Trusted Legacy Era Award; and Palms Trading Company, Hallmark Era Award.
The Cornivore Popcorn Company received the 2026 Brian Baca Memorial Award, honoring a veteran-owned business demonstrating leadership, integrity and community impact.
