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View the 2025 Impact Report
Founded in 1998, Project ARRIBA supports economically disadvantaged residents in obtaining degrees and certifications in high-demand fields such as healthcare and information technology. Between 2020 and 2024, the program graduated 492 participants, with an average post-program wage of $58,016—more than double El Paso County’s per capita income.
“Project ARRIBA is not just a training program—it’s a catalyst for economic mobility and community resilience,” said Roman Ortiz, President & CEO of Project ARRIBA. “Our graduates are entering careers that sustain families and strengthen El Paso’s most critical industries.”
Key Findings from the Report: 2020-2024
- $284.08 million in increased lifetime earnings for graduates (2020–2024)
- $10.66 million invested over five years, yielding an average benefit–cost ratio of 26.65
- 492 graduates, with 85.8% identifying as women
- Up to 27 jobs supported annually, with $4.44 million in regional output in 2023 alone
Total program impact since inception: $1.177 billion
“Project ARRIBA has proven that when we invest in people, the returns are exponential. The graduates are not only building meaningful careers—they’re fueling the growth and competitiveness of our region. This kind of impact demonstrates why programs like ARRIBA are essential to El Paso’s long-term success.” — Josh Hunt, Executive Vice President of Hunt Companies, Inc. and President of the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation.
The report also highlights the program’s broader social impact, noting that increased household financial stability leads to improved educational outcomes, healthier living conditions, and long-term upward mobility for families.
“Project ARRIBA is a model of inclusive economic development. By investing in people and aligning workforce training with regional industry needs, it’s strengthening El Paso’s long-term competitiveness.”
— Mayra Maldonado, Executive Director, Hunt Institute for Global Competitiveness, The University of Texas at El Paso
“Project ARRIBA exemplifies how targeted investment in human capital can yield extraordinary returns—not just for individuals, but for the entire region. The program’s impact on lifetime earnings, job creation, and economic output demonstrates the power of education and workforce development to transform communities.”
— Dr. John Gibson, Director of Research, Hunt Institute for Global Competitiveness, The University of Texas at El Paso
View the latest Fact Sheet
About Project ARRIBA
Project ARRIBA (Advanced Retraining & Redevelopment Initiative in Border Areas) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to workforce development in El Paso County. Through strategic partnerships and wraparound support services, the program empowers individuals to pursue careers that offer long-term economic security.
About the Hunt Institute for Global Competitiveness
Established in 2014, the Hunt Institute for Global Competitiveness at the University of Texas at El Paso serves as a regional think tank dedicated to advancing economic and social development across the Paso del Norte Region, which includes El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
The Institute’s mission is to produce high-quality market analysis tools that inform and strengthen regional and binational cross-border development. Through multidisciplinary research, the Hunt Institute provides actionable insights on issues such as workforce development, broadband access, trade, and infrastructure—helping policymakers, businesses, and community leaders make data-driven decisions that enhance competitiveness and quality of life.
Learn more at utep.edu/hunt-institute.
For media inquiries or to learn more about Project ARRIBA, please contact:
- Roman Ortiz, President & CEO
- Email: roman@projectarriba.org
- Phone: (915) 843-4063
- Website: www.projectarriba.org