Rodriguez – Cristian Gabriel Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship Grant

Rodriguez – Cristian Gabriel Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Coastal Bend Community Foundation
Last Updated: September 27, 2025

Summary

The Rodriguez – Cristian Gabriel Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship, established by Christine and Jimmy Martinez, honors their son who passed away in 2018. Aimed at students graduating from CCISD, Tuloso-Midway, or West Oso high schools, this scholarship supports those with a GPA between 75 and 90 who demonstrate financial need. It encourages students to pursue higher education, fostering their dreams in memory of Cristian, a passionate basketball player known for his kindness and optimism.

Overview

Coastal Bend Community Foundation Forty years ago, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, together with community leaders Cecil Burney, Pat Eisenhauer and Dick Sells launched a public foundation to promote and encourage philanthropy in the Coastal Bend. With an initial donation of $150,000 from the Paul and Mary Haas Foundation and borrowed office space at the Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation was established in 1981. Today, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation is one of approximately 900 community foundations in the United States. Its charitable impact has been profound, but it does not accomplish this work alone. Through the generosity of its donors and the foresight of the Foundation’s founders and directors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has grown assets to over $108 million while awarding over $141 million in grants and scholarships through 2021. The Foundation serves the Coastal Bend counties of Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio through its 307 funds. The Coastal Bend Community Foundation invites anyone who is interested in meeting the charitable needs of this area to partner to “improve the quality of life” in the Coastal Bend. The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships. The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with: Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishesEffective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to studentsEthical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy Rodriguez – Cristian Gabriel Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship Established by Christine and Jimmy Martinez in honor of their son Cristian Gabriel Rodriguez. Cristian passed away on October 21, 2018. Cristian was a freshman at Veterans Memorial high School. He had a love and passion for the game of basketball and always wore a smile on his face and shared his kindness toward others. Cristian had dreams of going to college one day, and his parents would like give students the opportunity to fulfill their college dreams in honor of their son Cristian. #Cris’hope4Abetter2morrow

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Must graduate from CCISD, Tuloso-Midway, or West Oso high schools.Must have between 75 - 90 GPAMust show financial needMay attend any eligible college and pursue any course of study/major