EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A second chance through education and job training helped Daniel Eller become the first and youngest graduate of the El Paso Promise Program, an initiative designed to help people with a history in the justice system get back on track after incarceration.
Eller said he decided to take part in the program because “I felt like it was a chance and that I should take it.”
Eller later added, “It was beneficial, you know. I feel like I gained a lot of experience, and I only grew from it at first, you know, but you learn, you experience things, and I felt like it benefited me.”
The El Paso Promise Program includes an eight-week, hands-on training component focused on warehouse logistics skills.
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Eller received several certificates through the program, including, as he described it, “There’s a forklift one. There’s food handlers,” adding, “But there’s like literally a plethora. Like it definitely, I felt like it was a benefit.”
Eller is now working toward his GED and a degree in surgical technology at El Paso Community College.
Eller said a traditional high school setting did not work for him.
“I was just like, this isn’t for me,” Eller said. “It’s not working.”
Eller also said, “You know how it is, people like to spread rumors and gossip.”
Eller’s future was nearly derailed after an incident during his freshman year, when he brought a toy BB gun to school that was mistaken for a real weapon.
Emily Schmalz reports on Daniel Eller becoming the first and youngest graduate of the El Paso Promise reentry program
“And I was like, wait, I’m the one that’s in trouble. I just didn’t fully comprehend it at the time, you know?” he said.
Eller said he did not hesitate when the program’s community resource coordinator, Dominique Olivares, called with the opportunity.
Olivares said Eller stood out during the program.
“And throughout that program, he was kind of outshining his peers, you know,” Olivares said. “And once he saw how successful he was in that program, I feel like it reignited his spark as a student.”
The program is expanding into phase two and now includes people over 28.
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Last October, Eller was recognized at an El Paso County commissioners meeting, a milestone in what he described as an ongoing journey.
“In the moment, it seems really bad when you’re experiencing it, but it does get better for sure,” Eller said.
Olivares said, “Well, he’s definitely proof of the work that I’ve been putting in.”
Olivares said the program is free and open to anyone looking for a second chance and a path forward.
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