You’re investing in the future by exploring the LANL Foundation’s scholarships and grants. This organization improves educational equity across seven counties in Northern New Mexico through programs like four-year undergraduate scholarships and career pathways for adult learners.
Recipients gain financial support, mentorship, internship opportunities, and access to community resources such as nutritional services and support for persons with disabilities, fostering growth and addressing local needs. The foundation’s initiatives are deeply rooted in community engagement, laying the groundwork for profound educational advancements.

Key Takeaways
- LANL Foundation offers scholarships and grants to enhance educational equity.
- Four-Year Undergraduate Scholarships support bachelor’s degree students.
- Career Pathways Scholarships aid those pursuing associate degrees or certifications.
- Grants focus on educational innovation and community needs.
- Recipients receive mentorship, internships, and professional development support.
Supporting Students in Northern New Mexico
Because the LANL Foundation recognized the importance of educational opportunity in Northern New Mexico, it has, since 1999, invested directly in students who call this region home, offering not only scholarships but also access to internships, career mentorship, and a support network designed to help you achieve your goals.
This comprehensive approach fosters student engagement and promotes educational equity across seven counties, including Los Alamos and Santa Fe, while also connecting learners with community resources that address shelter needs and exposure to the best technology available for academic and career advancement.
Over 2,600 scholarships totaling $13 million have been awarded, along with paid internships and mentorships that strengthen your pathway from education to meaningful career success in the community.
Four-Year Undergraduate Scholarships
Each year, more than one hundred students from Northern New Mexico’s seven-county region gain the opportunity to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree with support from the LANL Foundation’s competitive and comprehensive scholarship program.
The application requirements include residency in the service area, meeting a minimum GPA, submitting academic and extracurricular letters of recommendation, and essays addressing career goals, leadership, and community impact.
Scholarship benefits range from $1,000 to $20,000, awarded based on merit and need, with one application considered for over 30 scholarships.
In 2024, the Foundation granted over $884,000 to 128 students, continuing its significant impact on educational access while also supporting initiatives that benefit older adults and veterans through broader community education and outreach programs.
Career Pathways Scholarships
While the LANL Foundation’s four-year undergraduate scholarships open doors to bachelor’s degrees, its Career Pathways Scholarships directly address the pressing need for skilled professionals in Northern New Mexico by supporting students and adult learners committed to earning associate degrees, certificates, or professional trade credentials in high-demand fields.
These scholarships improve your career development by providing up to $3,000 to help complete programs leading to defined career paths. Scholarship eligibility requires a commitment to finishing such a program, with recipients drawn from high school graduates or GED holders ready to enter promising career fields.
This initiative fosters workforce development in the region.
About Our Scholarship Funds
You’ll find that the LANL Foundation’s scholarship funds have grown significantly, fueled by generous donors and new endowments established this year.
These funds prioritize supporting diverse students and fields of study, with awards reflecting academic merit, leadership, and service.
In addition to financial support, recipients gain access to mentorship, internships, and professional development through the LANL Scholars Program.
Funding Sources and Growth
The LANL Foundation’s scholarship program has experienced remarkable growth since its inception, with funding sources playing a pivotal role in this expansion.
Your support—through donations from Los Alamos National Laboratory employees, retirees, and community members—drives the foundation’s ability to maintain and expand its impact.
Diverse funding strategies, including the establishment of new named and endowed funds, guarantee scholarship sustainability and allow for record-breaking awards, such as the $1,030,000 distributed in 2025.
These collective efforts not only increase the number of scholarships available but also broaden opportunities for students pursuing degrees, certificates, and trade credentials across Northern New Mexico.
Student Impact and Diversity
Because the LANL Foundation prioritizes broad access and lasting impact, its scholarships serve a diverse array of students from Northern New Mexico, emphasizing support for first-generation college attendees and those demonstrating financial need and resilience. This promotes student diversity and captures impactful stories of resilience and determination.
| Scholarship Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gold Scholarship | $20,000 |
| Silver Scholarship | $15,000 |
| Copper Scholarship | $12,000 |
| General Awards | $1,000+ |
Recipient Support and Recognition
Scholarship recipients benefit from more than financial aid—they receive tailored support that fosters both academic and professional growth.
You’ll engage in recipient engagement activities such as social events, workshops, and service opportunities designed to ease your transition to campus life.
The program also offers mentorship opportunities by matching you with experienced professionals in your field, providing valuable advice and connections.
Additionally, you may access internships at Los Alamos National Laboratory, offering hands-on experience.
Since inception, the LANL Foundation has awarded over $13 million to more than 2,600 students, creating a lasting community network beyond financial support.
Scholarship Partners and Program Overview
You have access to scholarship opportunities funded by the LANL Foundation in partnership with the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund Advisory Committee and other donors.
These scholarships support Northern New Mexico students pursuing bachelor’s degrees and offer awards ranging from $1,000 to $20,000.
In addition to financial aid, the program connects you with professional mentors and paid internships at Los Alamos National Laboratory to improve your educational and career development.
Program Partners
The LANL Foundation partners closely with the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund Advisory Committee and local universities to deliver a comprehensive scholarship program. This collaboration improves program effectiveness by leveraging shared resources and expertise in education.
| Program Partner | Contribution | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| LAESF Committee | Scholarship Evaluation | Student Support |
| Local Universities | Internship Opportunities | Career Development |
| Community Donors | Financial Support | Access to Education |
This partnership guarantees that students receive holistic support for their educational pursuits.
Scholarship Opportunities
Building on strong program partnerships, you can access several scholarship opportunities through the LANL Foundation that support Northern New Mexico students pursuing higher education.
The foundation offers four-year undergraduate scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for high school seniors and undergraduates in its seven-county service area. Scholarship eligibility requires residency and demonstrated achievement, leadership, and service.
The application process includes submitting transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays. The foundation also offers scholarships for veterans and career pathways, administered by the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund Advisory Committee.
Renewal depends on maintaining good academic standing.
Community Outreach Grants
When you look at the LANL Foundation’s efforts to support local development, it’s clear that their Community Outreach Grants play an essential role.
These grants strengthen community partnerships by supporting local initiatives across seven counties in Northern New Mexico. Each grant recipient receives $5,000 to improve education, health, and family well-being.
The grant impact is significant, as it fosters lifelong learning and addresses specific community needs, ultimately benefiting the broader community landscape.
This initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader strategy to promote educational and community development regionally.
Competitive and Invitational Grantmaking
LANL Foundation’s competitive grants allow schools, districts, nonprofits, and tribal communities across seven counties to pitch ideas that advance educational innovation and strengthen local learning ecosystems. These grants promote collaboration and advocacy for lifelong learning, focusing on diverse projects that improve educational opportunities. Invitational grants foster strategic partnerships, addressing specific needs not met by competitive grants.
| Grant Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Competitive | Encourage educational innovation |
| Invitational | Address specific community needs |
| Strategic | Build collaborative partnerships |
Grant selection is based on funding criteria ensuring equity and community impact.
Grantmaking Philosophy and Practices
Although some grantmaking philosophies focus solely on funding programs, this foundation commits to investing in individual, organizational, and institutional capacity to strengthen community well-being and foster lifelong learning.
Its grantmaking strategies integrate an Equity Commitment & DEIB Policy to guarantee broad, fair access to educational resources. By incorporating Trust-Based Philanthropy practices, it deepens community engagement and builds stronger relationships with stakeholders.
Competitive and invitational grants support innovative educational programs across a seven-county area, benefiting schools, nonprofits, and tribal communities.
Continuous stakeholder feedback shapes adaptable grantmaking practices responsive to Northern New Mexico’s evolving needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Apply for a LANL Foundation Scholarship?
You apply online through the LANL Foundation’s portal, providing academic transcripts, details of your college or career program, employment history, and three short essays; review eligibility criteria and submit required letters of recommendation to complete the application process.
What Are the GPA Requirements to Maintain My Scholarship?
You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to keep your LANL Foundation scholarship, meeting the GPA thresholds tied to your ongoing academic performance. Falling below this may affect renewal eligibility.
Can I Renew My Scholarship Annually, and How?
You can renew your scholarship annually by submitting a scholarship renewal form and unofficial or official transcripts demonstrating sufficient academic progress. Renewal depends on meeting eligibility criteria like good academic standing and enrollment status each year.
What Types of Mentorship and Internship Support Are Available for Recipients?
You will have access to mentorship programs and internship opportunities. The LANL Scholars Professional Mentorship Program pairs you with industry mentors, and there are paid internships available at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
How Are Recipients Selected for Different Scholarship Funds?
You’re selected through a rigorous selection process where a committee conducts a thorough criteria evaluation of your GPA, leadership, service, and essay responses to match you with scholarships that best fit your achievements and goals.
Conclusion
You’re advancing educational equity in Northern New Mexico through the LANL Foundation’s scholarships and grants. Four-Year Undergraduate Scholarships support bachelor’s degree pursuits, while Career Pathways Scholarships empower adult learners. Meanwhile, Competitive and Invitational Grants foster community growth. By providing financial aid, mentorship, and internships, the LANL Foundation enriches students’ academic journeys and bolsters local development, simultaneously building a network of future leaders and lifelong learners.