As November 28th approaches, we mark a remarkable milestone – the 10-year anniversary of Funax, the philanthropic arm and an integral part of the TechHUB innovation ecosystem.

Over the past decade, Funax has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of STEM education and innovation in Ciudad Juárez, leaving an indelible mark on the community it serves. We could not have gotten where we are today without our phenomenal and compassionate partners, including but not limited to Microsoft, Datac, S-mart, Hunt Family Foundation, Tecma Group, Seisa Medical, Aptiv, Flo Networks, City of El Paso, El Paso Electric, Fix Arrowhad Center, US Consulate, Fondo Unidos/United Way, Consulado de México, Detroit Axle, MtNET, La Nogalera, WestStarBank, High Desert Capital, Novamex, Workforce Solutions Borderplex, Desarrollo Economico, Windstar, Hipergas and the entire TechHUB community.

A Decade of Empowering Change

As a non-profit, early on, Funax began its work promoting food and toy drives that were distributed among dozens of foster homes and shelters, as Funax grew within the TechHUB innovation ecosystem, and through the guidance of its Board of Directors, it consolidated its vision and established multiple programs that helped shorten the digital gap and concentrated its efforts in Digital Education and Workforce Development. With a vision to continue to empower the youth of Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, Texas, Funax quickly evolved to finding ways of providing youth with opportunities for personal and professional growth in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Additionally, Funax plays an important role as the fund administrator for The Bridge Accelerator, a business accelerator program within the TechHUB innovation ecosystem.

Funax's journey over the past decade is characterized by a relentless commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the talents of young people in the Ciudad Juárez border region. The organization serves as a bridge between education and opportunity, creating a dynamic ecosystem that enables students to develop critical STEM skills and thrive in the digital age.

One of Funax's key strengths lies in its ability to adapt and collaborate. By partnering with institutions like the Datec, Fondo Unidos, TechHUB, and global giants like Microsoft and Fabfoundation at MIT, Funax has been able to tap into vast resources and networks, amplifying its impact in the border region.

TEALS Program: Empowering Young Minds

One of the major contributions of Funax to Ciudad Juárez is its involvement in the Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) program that launched in the US in 2009 and is supported by Microsoft. The TEALS program's first expansion outside the USA and into LATAM (Ciudad Juárez) was launched in September 2021 and has been a game-changer for the city's young people.

TEALS brings vital STEM education and training to high school students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in technology and innovation. The program focuses on improving access and equity, ensuring that STEM education is available to young people in the area. In Ciudad Juárez, nearly two-thirds of workers work low-wage jobs in manufacturing, paying an average of 267 pesos ($13 a day). But now, with more access to higher education, these kids have the chance at careers in STEM.


Fab Lab Mobile: A Mobile Laboratory of Possibilities

In addition to its support for the TEALS program, Funax also introduced the Fab Lab Mobile initiative in partnership with Fabfoundation at MIT, a renowned institution known for its pioneering work in innovation and technology. The Fab Lab Mobile is a mobile laboratory equipped with advanced tools and technology that brings STEM learning directly to local schools.

Fab Lab provides students with hands-on experience in STEM fields, fostering a love for science and technology. It also enriches the education of local students and serves as a catalyst for future innovation. Thanks to a generous donation from Microsoft and many teachers and education volunteers, Fab Lab has been able to provide free computer programming and coding classes at local schools.

The Impact on Ciudad Juarez's Youth

The impact of Funax's work in STEM is deeply profound for the youth of Ciudad Juárez:

  • Skill Development: The STEM initiatives empower young individuals with practical skills and knowledge that are vital in a technology-driven world. They provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Career Opportunities: By fostering STEM education, Funax opens doors to a myriad of career opportunities for the youth, preparing them to pursue meaningful and well-paying careers in technology, innovation, and engineering.
  • Global Competitiveness: Ciudad Juárez's young people, with the support of Funax, are better equipped to compete on a global scale, attracting investments and opportunities to the region, as well as exporting local talents to where they are most needed.
  • Community Building: Funax's STEM initiatives contribute to community building by nurturing talent and providing young individuals with a strong foundation for success.


A Legacy of Impact and Innovation

Funax's 10-year journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in education through fostering young entrepreneurs and SMEs at the Bridge Accelerator program and through STEM education and innovation. By collaborating with global organizations and institutions, the Funax team has brought invaluable resources and opportunities to Ciudad Juárez.

As we celebrate Funax's 10-year anniversary, we are grateful for our past accomplishments, and we are looking forward to the future with excitement. Funax's legacy of impact and innovation promises to continue giving back to Ciudad Juárez and inspiring a new generation of STEM leaders. Happy anniversary, to everyone at Funax!