Los Alamos Reporter

LANL Foundation Opens Applications For Four-Year Scholarships

LANL FOUNDATION NEWS RELEASE

Applications open today, October 1, for the LANL Foundation’s Four-Year Undergraduate Scholarship Program, offering high school seniors and current undergraduate students in Northern New Mexico the opportunity to receive up to $20,000 in scholarship support.

Since 1998, the LANL Scholars Program has awarded $15 million in scholarships to nearly 3,000 students, helping students from across Northern New Mexico pursue higher education and reach their goals.

Students who live in Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Mora, Los Alamos, or Taos counties, as well as members of Northern New Mexico’s tribes, nations, and pueblos, are eligible to apply. Scholarships can be used at colleges and universities inside or outside New Mexico and range from $1,000 for one year to $20,000 over four years.

“These scholarships are about more than helping students pay for college,” said LANL Foundation Scholarship Program Director Mike Ammerman. “We’re investing in students and the goals they have for themselves and their communities. Through financial support, mentorship, internships, and connections with other scholars and professionals, we want students to have the resources and relationships they need to succeed.”

With a single application, students are considered for more than 30 unique scholarship opportunities, made possible by Los Alamos National Laboratory employees and other generous donors. A committee of volunteer reviewers helps match students with scholarships based on their interests, backgrounds, experiences, and goals.

Students who have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education—including first-generation college students, rural students, and students with financial need—are strongly encouraged to apply.

More Than a Scholarship

LANL Scholars become part of a community that extends beyond financial assistance. Program opportunities include:

  • Paid summer internships at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the LANL Foundation, and partner organizations
  • Professional mentorship with individuals working in students’ fields of interest
  • Peer support through LANL Scholars Ambassadors at the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University

Students must complete the online application by January 10, 2027, to be considered.

Application requirements include:

  • Two letters of recommendation, including one academic reference
  • Short essays addressing student goals, leadership, and service, with an optional essay for additional information
  • A minimum 3.25 GPA and transcripts

Students pursuing an associate degree, certification, or professional trade credential are encouraged to apply for the LANL Foundation’s Career Pathways Scholarship, which opens January 2, 2027.

In 2026, the LANL Foundation awarded nearly $1.4 million in scholarships to 239 students, including Four-Year, Career Pathways, and graduate scholarship recipients.

Learn more and apply at lanlscholars.org.

The LANL Foundation welcomes community members who want to invest in students’ futures through the scholarship program. To learn more about supporting LANL Scholars, visit lanlfoundation.org.