Transforming Barriers into Bridges: Trellis Foundation’s Partnership with UTEP
December 2024

Education is a fundamental value in any forward-facing society—an important pillar for the betterment of future generations, one that many consider a given, while others an increasingly inaccessible luxury. According to The University of Texas System, an average of 53% of its undergraduate students across the system receive need-based financial aid. To assist underserved students who often face systemic challenges, the Trellis Foundation recently granted $195,694 to UTEP for student emergency funds, which will help cover urgent expenses so students can stay in school and finish their degrees. 

The Trellis Company, originally established in 1979 as a student loan guarantor, quickly recognized the challenges many students faced with loan repayment, particularly those who did not complete their degrees. Seven years ago, the organization created the Trellis Foundation to transfer its philanthropic work, founding the Trellis Foundation to address systemic obstacles to student success. Now a state-wide non-profit organization, they are determined to help low-income and students of color around Texas.  

By analyzing student needs across Texas and the nation, the Foundation uncovered recurring issues affecting degree completion, such as housing and food insecurity and unexpected financial emergencies. For example, a recent Trellis Strategies survey revealed significant challenges faced by students at UTEP. Over 21% of respondents reported running out of money six or more times in the past year, and nearly 60% struggled to access $500 for emergencies. Alarmingly, 12% said they had no financial safety net at all. They indicated these financial stressors also contributed to high levels of anxiety, with 58% reporting generalized anxiety and 69% worrying about having enough money to stay in school and finish their degrees. 

Jesus Perales, program officer for the Trellis Foundation, explained that in addition to financial struggles, underrepresented students often face systemic challenges related to mental health, cultural considerations, and access to basic resources.  

Perales further stated that to advance equity in higher education, the Foundation has adopted a two-pronged approach: funding university programs and initiatives while also educating policymakers and the public about the systemic nature of these challenges. 

In recent years, UTEP has expanded its student emergency support programs to help provide for the basic needs of UTEP students, with the goal of assisting students so they can focus on their studies and stay in school. The UTEP student emergency fund aids in alleviating unexpected financial hardship by providing resources for needs such as utilities payments, medication expenses, emergency housing, transportation assistance, and more. In addition to supporting these resources, UTEP has begun sharing de-identified aggregate data with the Trellis Foundation to help better understand the students making the requests, what their specific needs are, and whether they also need additional resources. 

Perales emphasized that UTEP’s comprehensive, wraparound services stood out among grant applicants, offering a model that could serve as a blueprint for similar partnerships with other universities. Additionally, UTEP’s use of data to connect students with holistic resources both on and off campus creates a feedback loop that informs future initiatives. It also provides valuable insights into how programs can be tailored to meet the unique needs of individual institutions, ensuring scalable and effective policy recommendations. 

Joshua Hunt, Trellis Foundation Board Member, shared, "By working together with UTEP, the Trellis Foundation aims to shape impactful policies for our community, amplify the voices of students, and break down financial barriers for degree completion.” 

The Trellis Foundation disbursed $10.6 million during their 2024 fiscal year to advance equitable educational opportunities in Texas by supporting postsecondary programs, practices, and systems that reduce disparities and lead to success for low-income students and students of color. UTEP is proud to be amongst the eight fall 2024 grantees receiving funds in support of academic persistence. 

Trellis and UTEP have been leading advocates for access to education for decades. Their commitment has led to a parallel mission for both institutions to the continuous benefit of our students’ futures—a future where they can follow their dreams, achieve their full potential, and become leaders in their fields and communities.