LANL NEWS
During the recent Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund (LAESF) campaign, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) employees pledged $372,491 to support scholarships for Northern New Mexico students. The annual drive encourages Laboratory employees, retirees and subcontract personnel to donate to funds that award scholarships to qualified students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or professional certification in any area of study or in pursuit of a trade.
“These life-changing scholarships would not be possible without the generous support of the LANL community and the tireless efforts of the LAESF advisory committee. The fact that this scholarship is founded, funded and steered by Laboratory employees with the intent of serving the broader community is a point of pride that sets it apart from other scholarships,” said Mike Ammerman, Scholarship Program Manager at the LANL Foundation, the Española-based nonprofit that oversees the program and its funds.
In addition to awarding Northern New Mexico area students with financial assistance for college and post-secondary education, LAESF also aligns with the Laboratory’s goal to attract and develop world-class talent that will ensure a vital future workforce. LANL Scholars, as the scholarship recipients are now called, may have the opportunity to work in paid internships at the Lab alongside a mentor in their field of interest.
Various scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors, current undergraduate students and adults on the basis of academic achievement, career commitment, leadership, community service, and for some awards, financial need.
Donors may contribute to specific funds that designate scholarships for STEM fields, teaching degrees, first-generation college students, Native American students, outstanding leadership and merit, higher financial need, resiliency and determination, residency in certain communities, Tribal business students, or career and technical training.
Since LAESF was established in 1998, approximately $5 million of the $7.6 million awarded in scholarships has been generously donated by Lab employees. The Lab’s Giving Tool is open to accept new contributions throughout the year, not just during the campaign.
Additionally, $19,559.05 was raised so far in 2019 from community supporters outside the Lab through the LANL Foundation. Visit http://www.lanlfoundation.org/give to donate.
“The LANL Foundation is grateful for our partners and the many donors who contribute to the scholarship fund,” said Ammerman. “We invite others to join us by making an investment in the future leaders and skilled workforce of Northern New Mexico.”
For more information, visit http://www.lanlfoundation.org/scholarships or contact Mike Ammerman at scholarships@lanlfoundation.org or 505-753-8890 ext. 115.
About the LANL Foundation (www.lanlfoundation.org)
Since 1997, the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has worked to inspire excellence in education and learning in Northern New Mexico through innovative programming, collaboration and advocacy. By investing in human potential, the Foundation’s vision is that all New Mexicans have the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient, lifelong learners who are engaged in their communities. Programs in early childhood, K-12 teacher and student programs, inquiry STEM education, scholarships and small grants serve Northern New Mexico communities primarily in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe and Taos counties.
About Los Alamos National Laboratory (www.lanl.gov)
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Triad, a public service oriented, national security science organization equally owned by its three founding members: Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle), the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), and the Regents of the University of California (UC) for the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.