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Scholarship program celebrates 12 recipients and more than $348,000 awarded toward educational opportunities since 2022.

El Paso, TX- October 22, 2026 - Tropicana Companies is celebrating a milestone in its commitment to education and community development by awarding five scholarships totaling $172,085 to residents of Tropicana Properties. This marks the largest number of scholarships awarded in a single year since the Tropicana Scholarship Program began in 2022.

The scholarships, awarded in partnership with Western Technical College, will provide full tuition for five residents pursuing careers in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). The program is designed to help residents gain valuable technical skills, pursue rewarding careers, and create greater financial stability for themselves and their families.

“El Paso is home, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people in our community succeed,” said R.L. “Bobby” Bowling IV, co-owner of Tropicana Companies. “We’ve always believed that our responsibility goes beyond providing housing. It’s about helping our residents build better lives for themselves and their families. These scholarships are an opportunity to invest in their potential, and we couldn’t be prouder to support them as they work toward their dreams.”

Meet the 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Ryan Tolbert – Dyer Palms

A husband and father of five, Ryan is already working in the HVAC industry and hopes to advance his technical skills and eventually establish his own business. He views the scholarship as an opportunity to provide greater financial stability for his family while building a career his children can be proud of.

Jose Martinez – Nevarez Palms

As a new father, Jose is determined to create a stable future for his family. He has already begun pursuing an HVAC career through coursework at El Paso Community College and has invested in his own tools. His long-term goal is to become an experienced HVAC technician and eventually open his own business.

Rogelio Cuevas – Artcraft Palms

Rogelio hopes to build a successful career as a certified HVAC technician, earn advanced certifications, and eventually establish his own business. He sees this opportunity as a way to support his family while one day creating jobs and providing quality services within the El Paso community.

Juan Maldonado – Verde Palms

Juan is focused on building a stable and rewarding HVAC career that will provide greater financial security for his family. He plans to gain hands-on experience, pursue additional certifications, and eventually open a business recognized for quality service and community involvement.

Dijon Lynn Murrell – Patriot Palms

With more than 10 years of experience in the architectural profession, along with experience in electrical and mechanical fields, Dijon hopes to expand that technical background through HVAC training. Having recently completed a SCADA certification at Western Technical College, Dijon plans to pursue a career in Critical Operations focused on improving efficiency and performance.

A Growing Investment in El Paso’s Future

Since launching the scholarship program in 2022, Tropicana Companies has awarded more than $176,000 in scholarships to residents of Tropicana Properties, supporting technical education in fields such as welding, automotive mechanics, and HVAC maintenance and repair.

With the addition of this year’s five scholarships, the program has now awarded 12 scholarships valued at more than $348,000, demonstrating Tropicana’s continued investment in education, workforce development, and the future of El Paso families.

Through its ongoing partnership with Western Technical College, Tropicana Companies continues to provide residents with access to career-focused education and opportunities that can have a lasting impact for generations.

The five scholarship recipients were recognized during an award ceremony on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Tropicana Homes main office, with scholarships presented by Randy Bowling and R.L. “Bobby” Bowling IV.

About Tropicana Companies

Tropicana Companies has deep roots in the El Paso community, beginning with the founding of Tropicana Homes in 1950. Over the decades, the organization has grown to include Tropicana Properties, Tropicana Realty, Tropicana Building II and Patriot Mortgage, creating a family of companies dedicated to serving the diverse housing needs of El Paso residents.

From homebuilding and residential property management to real estate and mortgage lending, Tropicana Companies has played an important role in helping El Paso families find a place to call home. Beyond housing, the organization remains committed to giving back through charitable partnerships, educational initiatives, and community programs that create opportunities for residents to grow and succeed.

With a legacy spanning more than 75 years, Tropicana Companies continues to invest in the people and communities that have been part of its story for generations