LANL FOUNDATION NEWS

The LANL Foundation has announced the recipients of its July 2020 Career Pathways Scholarship, given to high school seniors, and those with a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) in pursuit of a 2-year degree, trade, or certificate.

These latest 19 Career Pathways awardees represent a range of ages, backgrounds, interests, and future careers region-wide. Scholarships are $1,500 awards that are renewable up to two years ($3,000 cap) dependent upon academic standing and progress. This award cycle represents a $43,500 investment in Northern New Mexico’s diverse communities and the promise of a brighter future for all.

“What is remarkable about this particular group of Career Pathways Scholars is even in the midst of a pandemic, they maintained their ability to focus and plan for an uncertain future,” Mike Ammerman, Scholarship Program Manager, said.

Career Pathways Scholarship recipients are resilient, focused, and determined, with a clear vision of the career or trade they intend to pursue. These scholars are highly motivated to gain the skills and credentials needed to enter the workforce in their career of choice, with the primary goal of improving quality of life for themselves, their family and their community. 

“I want to provide the best life possible for my son and I believe that education is a key factor,” recipient Marissa Armijo said. After working her way up to assistant manager of a meatpacking facility, Armijo explained she changed course and is currently pursuing an Associate of Engineering in Information Engineering Technology at Northern New Mexico College. 

“My goal is to better myself which will better my students,” said Career Pathways Scholar Sasha Garcia. Garcia explained she started volunteering for a Head Start program at Youth Development, Inc. three years ago so she could spend more time with her children. Garcia’s volunteer work inspired her to pursue a career in education, and she is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Santa Fe Community College.  

The breadth of recipients represents the vigor of New Mexico’s developing economy. They are young or single parents, adults in career transitions or attending college for the first time, or recent high-school graduates on a fast track to employment. The impact of this scholarship is immense—helping students overcome financial obstacles to enter the workforce and progress in their lives. Each award is a stone on the path toward a more robust economy and stronger communities in northern New Mexico.

Scholarship winners are:

July 2020

• Ilsy Perez-Sican of Santa Fe, studying respiratory care at Santa Fe Community College
• Aaliyah Sandoval of Española, studying science at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos
• German Bejarano Cardenas of Santa Fe, studying general engineering and engineering technology at Santa Fe Community College
• Isaiah Martinez of Española, studying pre-engineering at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos
• Elijah Salazar Menzies of Hernandez, studying nursing at Northern New Mexico College
• Alexandra Iboa of Pecos, studying nursing at Santa Fe Community College
• Joshua Macias of Santa Fe, studying general engineering at Santa Fe Community College
• Jessica Rodriguez of Española, studying nursing at Northern New Mexico College
• Marissa    Armijo of Española, studying information technology engineering at Northern New Mexico College
• Amy Norris of Santa Fe, studying human services at Santa Fe Community College
• Kieran Sequoia of Santa Fe, studying respiratory care at Santa Fe Community College
• Zachary DeLay of Española, studying sustainable technologies: biofuels at Santa Fe Community College
• Dominic Montano of Arroyo Seco, studying welding technology at Doña Ana Community College
• Honorio Rael of Questa, studying business administration at the University of New Mexico
• Christian Leyba-Moya of Chimayo, studying electrical technology and welding at Northern New Mexico College
• Elijah Lopez of Española, studying Business Administration at Northern New Mexico College
• Jeramyah Spurlock of Jemez Pueblo, studying emergency medical services at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos
• Sasha Garcia of Velarde, studying early childhood education at Santa Fe Community College
• Rosa Rangel of Santa Fe, studying dental health at Santa Fe Community College

January 2020

• Ashley Andazola Villagran of Santa Fe, studying computer science and biological science at Santa Fe Community College
• Gerardo Araiza of Santa Fe, studying engineering at Santa Fe Community College
• Carlos Arras-Castillo of Española, studying elementary education at Northern New Mexico College
• Geraldine Baca of Santa Fe, studying paralegal studies at Santa Fe Community College
• Shanea Bell-Guynn of Taos, studying pre-business administration at University of New Mexico-Taos
• Robin Carrillo Ortiz of Santa Fe, studying nursing at Santa Fe Community College
• Raymond Chavez of Chimayo, studying barbering at Luna Community College
• Erica Diaz of Santa Fe, studying civil engineering at Santa Fe Community College
• Masie Estep of Las Vegas, studying early childhood education at Luna Community College
• Michael Frey of Santa Fe, studying computer engineering at Santa Fe Community College
• Jessica Fry of White Rock, studying biology at Northern New Mexico College
• Carlos Hurtado of Fairview, studying environmental science at Northern New Mexico College
• Gauri Little of El Prado, studying pre-science at University of New Mexico-Taos
• Destiny Maestas of Española, studying nursing at Northern New Mexico College
• Yaniksa Mata–Solis of Santa Fe, studying general engineering & engineering technology at Santa Fe Community College
• Pauline Medina of Mora, studying early childhood education at Luna Community College
• John Montoya of Las Vegas, studying nursing at Luna Community College
• Erin Price of Santa Fe, studying nursing at Santa Fe Community College
• Ethan Price of Santa Fe, studying engineering at Santa Fe Community College
• Ariana Quintana of Santa Fe, studying general science at Santa Fe Community College
• Dominic Rivera of Santa Fe, studying computer science at Santa Fe Community College
• Bianca Sampaio of Santa Fe, studying nursing at the University of New Mexico and Santa Fe Community College
• Cesar Sanchez of Santa Fe, studying computer science at Santa Fe Community College
• Lindsy Solomon of Chamisal, studying nursing at Northern New Mexico College
• Yuliia Trujillo of Santa Fe, studying general engineering & engineering technologies at Santa Fe Community College
• Magen Venckus of Edgewood, studying vocational/technical studies at Luna Community College
• Natoshia While of Santa Fe, studying dental health at Santa Fe Community College
• Chicqueeta Whitaker of Santa Fe, studying nursing at Northern New Mexico College

For more about the Career Pathways awards, see this link:https://www.lanlfoundation.org/our-work/scholarships/career-pathways-scholarships

About Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Foundation
Since 1997, the LANL Foundation has been investing in education, learning, and human potential in Northern New Mexico. Through our diverse programming and collaboration with key partners, we work to ensure that all New Mexicans have the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient lifelong learners who are engaged in their communities.

 For 25 years, the LANL Foundation has been serving Northern New Mexico communities, enhancing students’ access to academic and technical opportunities, leading to quality jobs by supporting the growth of college and career readiness in schools, districts, communities, and Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations.