Our 2026 Application is LIVE!
Empowering Young Women through Education, Awareness and Opportunity
The Cynthia Jean Salinas Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to honor a life, protect futures, and empower young women through education and awareness. Through scholarships and advocacy, we help build confidence, strength, and opportunity. Our mission is to break cycles and build safer futures for the next generation.
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About CJS:
The Cynthia Jean Salinas Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to honor the life and legacy of Cynthia Jean Salinas. What began as a tribute has grown into a mission dedicated to empowering young women through education, awareness, and opportunity.
Through scholarships and education on healthy relationships, we work to build confidence, promote safety, and create stronger futures.
A Mother.
A Daughter.
One of our own.
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Cynthia Jean Salinas was a devoted mother, daughter, and friend. She was known for her strength, her kindness, and her ability to make those around her feel supported and seen. Whether with her family, her teammates, or her community, Cynthia gave her whole heart in everything she did.
She was an honor student, a dedicated athlete, and deeply involved in her community. Above all, Cynthia was a mother. Her son was her greatest pride, and she poured her love into nurturing his growth and love for learning.
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Cynthia was a graduate of Edinburg North High School where she excelled academically and athletically. She continued her education at UTPA and went on to work as a Registered Nurse at Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio. Serving others was not just her profession - it was who she was.
She was active in volunteer work through Sacred Heart Church, Sub Debs, HOSA blood drives, FCA Nights, and numerous fundraising efforts. Cynthia believed deeply in giving back and lifting others up.
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On December 27, 2012, Cynthia’s life was taken due to an act of domestic violence. She was four months pregnant at the time of her passing. She is survived by her loving parents Polo and Sylvia Salinas, her brother Dimas, and her son Tristan.
Her life, her love, and her strength are the foundation of this mission.
Read Her Story
Our Impact
$65,000+
Scholarships awarded – helping young women pursue a higher education with confidence and support
50+ Graduates
successfully completed their college journey with the help of CJS
20+ Currently Enrolled
continuing their education with a little help from CJS and our community
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors
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Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors *
We are deeply grateful to our 2025 sponsors whose generosity and belief in our mission made these scholarships possible. Your support is changing lives.
As We Prepare for 2026
As we look ahead to the 2026 scholarship year, we are seeking sponsors who want to invest in education, empowerment, and prevention. Join us in building safer futures and stronger opportunities for young women.
$65k+
Awarded
2025 - 2026 Executive Committee
Our Heart Behind the Mission
The Cynthia Jean Salinas Memorial Scholarship Fund is led by family, friends, and community members who carry Cynthia’s legacy with love, dedication, and purpose. This committee is united by one goal — to honor her life by protecting and empowering young women through education and awareness.
Every scholarship awarded, every event planned, and every life impacted is made possible by a team that believes deeply in this mission and in the future of our girls.