Press Forward Borderland

Established in fall 2025 and expanded in spring 2026 to serve the full EPCF region, the chapter spans Southern New Mexico, El Paso and the Big Bend region of West Texas—including Las Cruces, Vado, Marfa, Alpine and Presidio. In communities where access to quality local news is limited, Press Forward Borderland works to ensure residents have the reliable, in-depth information they need to make decisions about their health, safety, schools, communities and household budgets. The chapter focuses on strengthening existing newsrooms, supporting emerging journalists, providing training and capacity-building opportunities, and investing in the educational pipeline that grows journalists from within the communities they serve.

Led by award-winning border journalist Stephanie Valle, Press Forward Borderland is building a stronger, more collaborative regional news ecosystem. The chapter has brought local journalists together through events and training opportunities, supported reporters attending national journalism conferences, launched the inaugural Local News Day in 2026, and is bringing nationally recognized journalism organizations to the Borderland for professional development. Looking ahead, the chapter is developing a paid regional journalism fellowship and mentorship program to connect college students with local newsrooms and experienced journalists. Through collaboration, training and strategic investment, Press Forward Borderland is working to ensure that trusted, locally produced journalism remains accessible to the communities of the Borderland.