Scholarships

NM Friends of Foster Children Scholarship

• $1,000
• Seniors aged 17 - 25 who have been in the foster system for at least 1 year.
• Apply here: http://www.nmffc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/NMFFCApplicationFINAL-pdf-2018.pdf

The Gates Scholarship

DUE DATE: Sept. 15, 2025.  SENIORS ONLY.  FULL RIDE!  HIGHLY COMPETITIVE!  
The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship (pays full-ride after all other scholarships/grant $ applied) for outstanding HS seniors from low-income households who are African-American, Native American/Alaska Native (proof of tribal enrollment required), Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American; Pell Grant-eligible (determined through FAFSA); U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident; in good academic standing with min. 3.3 weighted GPA.  To learn more, watch this video.  An ideal candidate will have: an outstanding academic record in HS (top 10% of graduating class); demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities); exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.).  Application here: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship

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Quest Bridge National College Match

DUE DATE: September 30, 2025.  FULL RIDE!  Seniors with outstanding grades & test scores + low income backgrounds (typically households earning less than $65,000/yr. for a family of four, and often less).  Fantastic opportunity for a full-ride scholarship to a highly selective college/university.  See Quest Bridge website for details and application, and to see if you qualify.  Ask Ms. Faulds if you have questions! -- JUNIORS: SEE MARCH 2026 DUE DATE FOR JUNIORS VERSION!

AES Engineering Scholarship

DUE DATE: October 8, 2025.  Info at AES website $500.  Seniors only.  Submit essay (topic on website) to scholarships@aesengineers.com Include in your email: full name, HS name, and your plans for next year. 

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Daniels Fund Scholarship

DUE DATE: Oct. 17, 2025. Seniors only.  Competitive scholarship with financial need component (must qualify through FAFSA before applying).  There is a "financial need" component, which is determined by your FAFSA.  See Daniels website here to check if you qualify.  The Daniels Scholarship Program provides a four-year, annually renewable college scholarship that is unique to each student and varies depending on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC- this is determined by your FAFSA) and their choice of school and degree program.  The scholarship pays up to $25,000 per year toward the student’s unmet need, after applying their EFC, other scholarships, and financial aid.  Daniels Scholars may attend any accredited college or university in the United States.

Prudential Emerging Visionaries Award (formerly Prudential Spirit of Community Awards)

Open to all HS students with substantial community service/volunteer experience.  Apply online here.  Top honorees earn cash awards and all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C.  Qualifying honorees also receive President’s Volunteer Service Awards.

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Elks Most Valuable Student Competition

Seniors only.  (500 Awards - $50,000).  See website here for details and application.

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Young Asian American Student Award

$250.  Open to Asian-American 10th - 12th grade students with excellent academic achievements, leadership in community service, global awareness, and professional development.  The application is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with Asian heritage currently enrolled in 10th to 12th grade in NM high schools, excluding those who have received this award previously.  Submission Guidelines: Please submit your application on the CIE/USA-NM website by clicking here (or www.cie-nm.org).  Additionally, to complete the application, the following documents in a single PDF file must be uploaded through the application website.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• 1. Official high school transcript (ask Ms. Faulds how to include this as part of your application PDF)
• 2. Personal Statement
• 3. Resume
• 4. A letter of support from either a teacher or a community leader familiar with the student's achievements and activities
• If you have any questions, please contact the Evaluation Committee Chair, Dr. Huining Kang (kanghn@unm.edu)

GE-Reagan Scholarship

Seniors only. Up to $40,000!  The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education.  Min. 3.0 GPA.  More info & application here.

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Climate justice, mental health awareness, and diversity in STEM fields scholarships

$2500.  Details & application on Dosomething.org website.

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Hamilton Relay Scholarship

$500, seniors only who are deaf, hard-of-hearing.  Submit application, write essay on the topic of communication technology, and provide a letter of recommendation in order to qualify.  Application & info at: https://hamiltonrelay.com/high-school-scholarships.html 

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NM Association of School Business Officials Scholarship

Seniors only, who will ATTEND A NM COLLEGE.  $1500 or $2500 (7-10 scholarships awarded!)  Apply here.  Requirements: a) Demonstrate strong academic achievement with a 3.0 GPA or better and submit a copy of the following documents: unofficial high school transcript & ACT and/or SAT scores.  b) Submit typed essay (double spaced and no longer than two pages).  The essays will be scored according to the following criteria: Details of your plans for attending college and pursuing a college degree; Information on how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational goals; Information demonstrating your financial need; Information about your service to the community or school district if any.  c) Submit two letters of recommendation written by a teacher, staff member, or school administrator. (*Must be on school letterhead.*) 2. A graduating senior from an accredited public or charter high school in NM.  3. The school district or charter high school is a current member of NMASBO.  4. Enroll and attend a college or university of your choice in New Mexico as a full-time student (12 or more semester hours/credits).  5. Available to all NM HS Seniors graduating in the 2025-26 academic year.  Apply on website: https://nmasbo.org/page/Scholarships

Gail & Phil Hines Scholarship

$1,000.  Senior females from ABQ only!  Minimum 3.0 GPA.  U.S. citizen or permanent resident.  Submit essays, recommendations, and transcripts.  For more details and to apply, visit this Google Doc.

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Optimist Club Essay Contest

$2,500 (if you win at the local level and then at District level).  Essay topic: TBA.  Open to all students younger than age 19 as of Oct. 1, 2025. To apply, fill out application (pick up paper copy from Ms. Faulds) and email or drop off application along with essay and proof of age (must be copy of passport or birth certificate) to Ms. Faulds.  Read the detailed instructions on the application form very carefully.

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Optimist Oratorical (Speech) Contest

$2,500 (if you win at the local level and then at District level).  Speech topic: TBA.  You will present your speech at ECA on: TBA.  Open to all students younger than age 19 as of Oct. 1, 2025. To apply, fill out application (pick up paper copy from Ms. Faulds), and email or drop off application along with proof that you are under 19 (must be copy of passport or birth certificate) to Ms. Faulds.  Read the detailed instructions on the application form very carefully. 

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Organ Transplant Awareness Program (OTAP) Scholarship

$500.  Seniors only.  $500 scholarships will be awarded to 2 NM high school seniors in memory of Betty Montoya (kidney recipient) and Jaime Munoz (double lung recipient).  OTAP scholarship program promotes organ and tissue donation as an important social responsibility and assists NM youth with higher education.  Application form available on the OTAP NM Website.

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Hispanic Scholarship Fund

$1,000.  Hispanic/Latinx Seniors only.  Visit the Hispanic Scholarship Fund website.

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Aldo Leopold Writing Contest/Scholarship

$500.  Open to grades 9-12.  Details and application.  Write brief essay on topic provided re: global conservation & the environment.

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Coolidge Scholars

FULL RIDE!  Juniors only!  Full-ride scholarship that can be used at any accredited college or university.  For juniors with excellent academics who are interested in public policy.  Application and details on Coolidge Scholars website.

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The Dream.US Scholarship

For students who are undocumented.  Details and application on website

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Coach Mike "Papa" Brown MSA Scholarship Fund

Awards range from $5,000 to $1,000.  Open to APS senior athletes with a 3.5 GPA or above.  Information here and apply here!  Student must plan to attend college or trade school starting no later than Fall 2026. Five winners will be selected and awarded as follows:

• Grand Prize: $5,000
• First runner-up: $4,000
• Second runner-up: $3,000
• Third runner-up: $2,000
• Fourth runner-up: $1,000.

Mayflower Society of NM Scholarship

$2,500 (INCREASED from $1,650!).  Seniors & current college students only.  Requires essay re: Mayflower Compact, resume, transcript & 2 letters of rec.  Application here.

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Jiffy Lube Teen Driver Scholarship Program

One overall $5,000 award; two finalist $1,500 awards. Two categories: licensed teen drivers and students in driver's ed.  Simple application and 500-word essay re: "What Drives You?"!  Apply on Jiffy Lube website here. 

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Diane Gillen Future Educator Scholarship

$500 - $1,000.  APS Seniors only, min. 3.0 GPA.  Application here.  Perfect for seniors who plan to go into TEACHING.  Requires online application with brief question-essays, along with the following documentation: current high school transcript, letter of interest, resume, letter of recommendation either from a school principal, teacher, counselor, mentor or coach, and (optional) any recognitions or awards you have received, as a result of your achievements.  The scholarship(s) will be given to an APS senior who: has demonstrated passion and strong commitment to pursue a career in education; recipient must intend to pursue higher education at a four year college/university; academic performance will be considered, with a minimum GPA of 3.0; has worked in community service and extracurricular activities.

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Horatio Alger State Scholarship

$10,000.  JUNIORS ONLY!  Assists students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need ($55,000 or lower), a good academic record (2.0 GPA min.), commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society.  Visit the Horatio Alger State Scholarship website.

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Advancing Young Women in STEM Scholarship

$500 - $1,000.  Open to juniors and seniors.  Goal: to inspire the next generation of female innovators and leaders.  Applicants must be: high school Jr/Sr applying to college in STEM OR a current undergraduate in a STEM field; resident of NM OR currently enrolled at a NM college/university; a woman (25 or younger) pursuing a STEM education/career; GPA of 2.5 or higher (4.0 scale).  Application.  Email: jmcconaughy@explora.us

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Quest Bridge College Prep Scholars

JUNIORS with outstanding grades and test scores + lower-income backgrounds (typically less than $65K for a family of 4, and often less).  Fantastic opportunity to apply for free and attend elite colleges on scholarship!  See site for details, and to see if you qualify.  Contact Ms. Faulds with questions!  Quest Bridge College Prep Scholars website

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CGCS-Bernard Harris Scholarship

$5,000. Open to African American and Hispanic seniors who plan to pursue college studies in one of the STEM-related fields.  Application here.

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Project Yellow Light

$2,000 - $8,000.  Social media, video & radio campaign against distracted driving, open to all HS students.  In addition to a scholarship, the winning video may be turned into an Ad Council PSA and distributed nationally to approximately 1,800 TV stations.  The winning design may be turned into a billboard and displayed on Clear Channel Outdoor digital billboards across the U.S.  The winning radio spot may be shared on iHeartRadio's national network and radio stations across the U.S.  They're looking for: a video, billboard design or radio spot created to motivate, persuade and encourage your peers to not drive distracted.  You have a unique opportunity to play a key role in spreading this important message.  You can speak to your peers on this subject in a way that adults cannot.  The more lives you can impact, the more lives you can save.  Apply here!

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Kirtland Spouses Scholarship

$$$ value to be decided.  The number of scholarships awarded each year and the amount of each scholarship will vary based on funds available, the number of applicants, and the quality of applications.  Seniors only, starting college or trade school in Fall 2026, must be a dependent of Armed Forces personnel assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base or on remote assignment.  Instructions and application here. 

Duck Tape "Stuck on Prom" Contest

Apply from March - June 2026.  Duck Tape "Stuck on Prom" contest: make your prom dress/tux out of duct tape and win up to $10,000! 

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NM Coalition of Educational Leaders (NMCEL) Scholarship

$3,000 (2 awards). Seniors only. 3.0 min. GPA, preference given to students considering a major in education (including teaching, Counseling).  Requires application form, essay and 2 letters of reference.  Details and application here.

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NM Engineering Foundation Scholarships

DUE DATE: not available on website, but contact them for deadline in Spring 2026!  Amounts & requirements vary.  See NM Engineering Website for details and applications. READ THROUGH WEBSITE CAREFULLY!  The NM Engineering Foundation offers both university and high school scholarships.  University scholarships are primarily offered in the spring and are designated for students majoring in engineering, math, or science at a New Mexico college or university.  Scholarships are also designated for graduating NM high school seniors who plan to pursue undergraduate degrees in engineering, math, or science.

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Manuel Lujan Scholarship

$2,000 (over 4 years). For seniors attending public college in-state.  Details here and apply here.

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James Ledwith Memorial Scholarship

One or more scholarships of up to $2,000.  Details here and apply here.  This scholarship program will annually award one or more scholarships up to $2,000 to HS graduates from ABQ who continue to pursue a “life dream”/professional or educational goal in spite of facing extraordinary life challenges.  The recipient will be a graduating high school senior from the ABQ Metro Area who has overcome their personal adversity and demonstrates: hope, faith and courage; thoughtfulness and service to others; living life, pursing dreams and enabling one’s self. The scholarship is to be used for post-secondary education at an accredited nonprofit or public educational institution in pursuit of a “life dream” and/or professional goal.  The school may be a two- or four-year college or university and the student must attend full time.  The applicant needs to demonstrate that he/she is capable of succeeding in that educational pursuit and that this scholarship will help them in this endeavor.  Visit the James Ledwith Memorial Scholarship website.

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Kiwanis Club of ABQ Scholarship

Through ABQ Community Foundation. Seniors only, $1,000.  Details here and application here.  Assistance to graduating students with strong community service experience and strong academic records from an ABQ metro area HS, who are planning a career in child development and/or teaching.

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Woodcock Family Education Fund

Through ABQ Community Foundation.  $10,000! Seniors only.   Details here and application here.  Assistance to ABQ metro area HS graduating seniors of exceptional promise in the fields of science and math.

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Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Fund

Through ABQ Community Foundation. Seniors only, $500 to $2,000 assistance to students to further their education in an undergraduate program OUT-OF-STATE OR AT IN-STATE PRIVATE COLLEGES*, who need financial assistance to address the ‘gap’ in financial aid packages. *PLEASE NOTE: two different receipt deadlines/categories for this scholarship: 1) Deadline for students who will attend out-of-state schools or in-state private schools: TBA; 2) Deadline for students who will attend NM public schools: TBA. Details here and apply here. 

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Neil Isbin Scholarship

$1,000.  Seniors only.  Neil Isbin was a lifelong human rights activist who worked tirelessly for equality and justice, gay and lesbian rights, affordable health care for all New Mexicans, tax fairness for working families, and public employee collective bargaining.  Open to all ABQ-area high school seniors who (1) have demonstrated achievements or ongoing volunteer work supporting human rights and human dignity, and (2) will be enrolling in an accredited nonprofit college or university in the fall.  There are no restrictions on eligibility based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability status.  Info and application here.

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Koffler Scholarship

$1,000.  Seniors only.  See Ms. Faulds for details about the application (form here: make copy).  For students who plan to study an artistic/creative field in college, including visual art, theater, music, architecture, film. Portfolio/work samples required. 

Parnall Law Office 2025 Scholarship Program

This program helps you fund your college dreams while raising awareness about distracted driving.  1st place: $2,500, 2nd place: $1,500, 3rd place: $1,000.
Essay Topic: Create a “Distracted Driving Family Plan” and share how you and your family can avoid the dangers of distracted driving. Topics include:

• What distracted driving is (hint: it’s more than just texting!)
• Your personal experiences with distracted driving
• Suggestions to keep your family safe on the road
• And more!

Apply now at HurtCallBert.com!  https://www.hurtcallbert.com/bert-gives-back/scholarships/

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Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, Albuquerque Chapter

$1000.  Graduating seniors from Albuquerque, Las Lunas, Bernalillo, Moriarty, or Santa Fe High School.  GPA of 2.5 or higher.

How to apply:

• Submit a 750-900 word essay on how the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers highlights the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Provide two letters of recommendation (from non-family members). 
• Include your transcript and school counselor’s initials.

For more info, reach out to Rene Matison at rpmatison@msn.com.

The Smith Engineering Company Scholarship

DUE DATE: July 31, 2025.  $1,500.  If you’re passionate about civil engineering and planning to continue your education at a four-year college or university, this opportunity is for YOU!
Requirements:

• APS senior with demonstrated a commitment to pursuing a career in civil engineering.
• Academic achievement (minimum 3.0 GPA) and community involvement are key factors in the selection process.

Apply here: https://apseducationfoundation.formstack.com/forms/scholarship_award_application_copy