UACJ to Offer Scholarships to Adolescent Offenders from Cersai in Ciudad Juárez
Ciudad Juárez, January 16, 2026 – Adolescents who complete their programs at the Social Reintegration Center for Adolescent Offenders (Cersai) in Ciudad Juárez will now have the opportunity to pursue higher education, thanks to a new scholarship program at the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez (UACJ). This initiative stems from an agreement signed yesterday between the State Public Security Secretariat (SSPE) and the educational institution.
The convenio, formalized at the Rectorate facilities, aims to provide real opportunities for young people transitioning out of the reintegration system. Daniel Alberto Constandse Cortez, Rector of the UACJ, and Gilberto Loya Chávez, Secretary of State Public Security, held a working meeting prior to the official signing ceremony.
Creating New Pathways for Adolescents
Secretary Loya Chávez emphasized the critical importance of creating genuine opportunities for adolescents concluding their time at Cersai. “What we seek is for them to have a different destiny, which is why we greatly value this opening from the University,” he stated. He further explained that this agreement will benefit adolescent offenders who graduate from Cersai and meet the established requirements, such as properly completing their sanction, as this strengthens their social reintegration process.
This collaborative act represents a significant milestone in the cooperation between the penitentiary system and higher education institutions. Such actions are designed to reinforce the social fabric through positive and effective reintegration, aiming to foster better-prepared citizens and eradicate criminal behavior through education.
Details of the Agreement and Eligibility
The scholarships will be granted to adolescents who successfully complete their programs at Cersai Ciudad Juárez. While specific eligibility criteria beyond successful completion of their sanction were not detailed in the initial announcement, the overarching goal is to support their academic and personal development, facilitating a smoother transition back into society.
The UACJ, a prominent educational institution in Ciudad Juárez, has shown a commitment to social responsibility through this partnership. This move aligns with broader efforts to address the root causes of crime and provide pathways for rehabilitation and personal growth among young offenders.
Broader Context of UACJ Initiatives
This initiative is part of a series of recent announcements from the UACJ. The university recently extended deadlines for inscription payments for the January-June 2026 semester, offering online and in-person options. Additionally, the UACJ launched a new University Circuit and ‘Indio Bus’ service on January 19, detailing routes and stops for the university community. The institution also recently mourned the loss of Ariel Arturo Muñoz Labrada, a medical intern from the UACJ, who passed away in an accident in Namiquipa. Furthermore, UACJ’s ‘Indios’ will be represented in the upcoming Azteca Bowl, with defensive line captain Said López and head coach Alfredo Navarrete participating in the XLIX edition of the university classic in Mexico City.
The collaboration between the SSPE and the UACJ underscores a commitment to restorative justice and the belief in the transformative power of education for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
Source: https://nortedigital.mx/becara-uacj-a-adolescentes-infractores-que-salgan-del-cersai-ciudad-juarez/
