Scholarships for High School students and community events

Foundation: 2000

Joined Community Fuse on May 15, 2025

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The purpose for the paisanos of East Texas is to serve our community. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of growth and learning that enhances the lives of individuals and collectively strengthens our community.

By investing in education and providing vital resources, we strive to create a positive and lasting impact on East Texas, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Connecting East Texas with resources, culture, and opportunity. Paisanos of East Texas is dedicated to empowering students through education and celebrating our community’s heritage.

We offer:

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Contact Information:

Address: PO Box 227, Work Smart, 3122 Nealy Way, Longview, TX 75605, Longview, Texas
Phone: (903) 309-0573
Email: info@paisanosofeasttexas.org
Contact Name: Arturo Zapata - President
We have Spanish speaking staff/volunters every day.

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday from 8am-5pm

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for the Paisanos of East Texas Scholarship Fund, applicants must:

  • Be a resident of East Texas or have strong community ties to the region.
  • Be a high school senior, current college student, or someone pursuing vocational training.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (or 3.0, depending on the scholarship).
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Show a history of community involvement and extracurricular activities.
  • Submit a personal essay and letters of recommendation. These requirements are designed to ensure that the scholarship goes to students who not only have academic potential but also demonstrate commitment to their community and the future of East Texas.

To access the application, please visit: https://paisanosofeasttexas.org/scholarships/

Service Areas:

Angelina County, TX / Camp County, TX / Cherokee County, TX / Gregg County, TX / Harrison County, TX / Jefferson County, TX / Marion County, TX / Nacogdoches County, TX / Panola County, TX / Rusk County, TX / Smith County, TX / Upshur County, TX / Van Zandt County, TX / Wood County, TX

Cost/Fees:

Free

Volunteering

We’re excited to bring the East Texas Cultural Fest to life, but we can’t do it alone — we’ll need the help and support of our amazing community! Whether it’s volunteering, spreading the word, or lending your talents, your involvement will make all the difference in creating a vibrant and unforgettable celebration.

Our Mission

The purpose of the paisanos of East Texas is to serve our community. Our mission is to enrich and empower our community through comprehensive education, development initiatives, and scholarship opportunities. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of growth and learning that enhances the lives of individuals and collectively strengthens our community. By investing in education and providing vital resources, we strive to create a positive and lasting impact in East Texas, ensuring a brighter future for all.

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Headquarters:
PO Box 227, Work Smart, 3122 Nealy Way, Longview, TX 75605, Longview, Texas

Paisanos of East Texas

Paisanos of East Texas was originally established to connect the East Texas community with valuable local resources. Over time, the organization has evolved with a stronger focus on raising funds to support students in pursuing higher education.

Arturo Zapata Jr., President and one of the founding members of Paisanos of East Texas, has dedicated the majority of his life to community service.

“I am honored to serve, we are a dedicated non-profit organization committed to celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of our community. Our mission is to foster community engagement and build meaningful, diverse connections. Through educational initiatives, development programs, and scholarships, we strive to empower and uplift the community we proudly serve.”