After all, it’s where she grew up after moving from El Paso at age six. It’s where she went to school, the city she name drops on the popular Taylor Sheridan TV show, and the city she’s consistently spotted around. But for the past few years, it’s also where she’s set her philanthropic sights. Chávez’s Be Your Own Kind of Genius scholarship is open for local seniors once again.
The actress posted a flyer for the scholarship on her Instagram story on Monday, May 4, calling for area high school seniors graduating in the 2025-26 school year and attending a college or university for a STEAM field (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) to apply. According to the scholarship website, “the objective is to offer scholarships to high school seniors to provide financial support for educational expenses-books, school supplies, and/or tuition–to Hispanic/Latino students pursuing to further their education.” Three chosen students (based on a few criteria they must meet) will receive $500 each.
Chávez has been behind the scholarship for a few years now, as a 2025 Instagram post from the local Salvation Army reads, “For the past five years it’s been a privilege for us to partner with @landmanpplus actress @paulinafchavez and her nonprofit @beyourownkindofgenius to reward scholarships to graduating San Antonio area seniors.”
She told Corpus Christi TV station KIII earlier this year that was inspired by her sister, a civil engineer, to start the scholarship. According to KIII, the actress recalled attending a graduation and noticing only five women in her class. At the time of starting the scholarship, Chávez was playing a 15-year-old rocket scientist on The Expanding Universe of Ashely Garcia — meaning this endeavor predates her days of Landman fame.
“It’s very much eye-opening how there are so many intelligent Latinas, Latinos who are changing the world and really making their mark – and it’s not showcased a lot in TV and film,” Chavez told KIII. “College is so expensive and anything we can contribute to help — people who wanna further their education we wanna do that.”