Great news for aspiring students and career-changers across Northern New Mexico! The LANL Foundation has just opened applications for its inspiring Career Pathways Scholarship program, creating exciting opportunities for residents ready to invest in their educational dreams and professional futures.

From January 5 through April 3, 2026, high school students, GED recipients, working adults, and anyone considering a career change can apply for this wonderful scholarship opportunity. The program offers up to $3,000 per recipient to help cover tuition, fees, and educational expenses for those pursuing two-year degrees, certificates, or professional trade credentials.

"The Career Pathways scholarship is about expanding access to education that leads directly to opportunity," shares Mike Ammerman, LANL Foundation Scholarship Program Director, whose enthusiasm for removing financial barriers reflects the foundation's commitment to community empowerment. "This scholarship helps remove financial barriers for students and adult learners who are ready to invest in themselves and their futures."

What makes this scholarship particularly heartwarming is its inclusive approach. There's no minimum GPA requirement, and students don't need to be enrolled full-time. The foundation recognizes that everyone's educational journey looks different, and they're embracing learners from all walks of life with open arms.

Recipients can receive $750 per semester, and the scholarship is renewable for students who maintain good academic standing and continue progressing toward their goals. This ongoing support means the foundation isn't just offering a one-time gift—they're becoming partners in their scholars' success stories.

The program serves residents from seven Northern New Mexico counties: Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Taos. Applicants simply need to have lived in one of these counties for at least 366 consecutive days and either hold or be working toward earning a high school diploma or GED.

Mariposa Gonzales, Co-Chair of the Career Pathways Scholarship Committee and a former scholarship recipient herself, beautifully captures the program's ripple effect of positivity. "Many recipients return to serve the very communities that supported them," she explains, highlighting how today's scholarship winners become tomorrow's community leaders and role models.

The scholarship's funding comes from a wonderful coalition of supporters, including LANL employees, Triad National Security LLC, the New Mexico Consortium, and numerous individual donors throughout Northern New Mexico. This collaborative spirit demonstrates the region's commitment to nurturing its most valuable resource—its people.

The application process is straightforward and completed online through the LANL Foundation scholarship portal. Applicants will share their educational history, information about their intended program, employment and leadership experiences, and brief essay responses. Financial information is optional but strongly encouraged to help the committee understand each applicant's unique circumstances.

Whether you're a high school senior planning your next chapter, a working parent seeking better opportunities, or someone brave enough to pursue a career change, the Career Pathways Scholarship could be your stepping stone to a brighter tomorrow. The foundation believes in you—now it's time to believe in yourself and apply.

Visit lanlscholars.org to start your application today and join the growing community of Career Pathways Scholars who are transforming their lives through education!