Scholarship Criteria

The Los Alamos Employees' Scholarship Fund (LAESF) includes scholarships for students seeking 4-year degrees upon high school graduation, as well as awards for students returing to formal education, seeking 2-year degrees or certifications after a hiatus for other pursuits. Criteria is dependent upon the type of scholarship being sought.

• 4-Year Degree Scholarship Eligibility & Awards (LAESF Scholarships)
• 2-Year Degree/Certification Scholarship Eligibility & Awards
  (Regional College/Returning Student Scholarship)

4-Year Degree Scholarship Eligibility (LAESF Scholarships)

The application process for Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund (LAESF) 4-year degree awards begins with submission of a completed form (online submission or hardcopy, which will be available after Oct. 1, 2011) and supporting portfolio materials. Any permanent resident of Northern New Mexico with at least a 3.25 cumulative unweighted grade point average (GPA), and scores of 19 ACT or 930 SAT (combined Math plus Critical Reading only), who is enrolling in or currently attending an accredited post-secondary educational institution is eligible to apply. For the purpose of these scholarships, Northern New Mexico includes Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Taos counties. Application deadline is Jan. 17, 2012.

Student applications are evaluated on academic achievement, leadership potential, and the ability to apply critical thinking skills. Student applicants with a desire to pursue a degree in a science-related field or other fields important to the future success of Northern New Mexico will be given priority consideration for Platinum and Gold awards.

Academic Achievement and Potential
Students are expected to have challenged themselves as fully as their school allows in both quantity and quality of courses selected. Academic transcripts and standardized test scores will provide the basis for evaluation of applicants.

Leadership Potential
The applicant’s leadership potential, based on demonstrated initiative and responsibility, is evaluated on the basis of letters of recommendation, a personal interview, and other components of the application. Evaluation of the applicant’s leadership potential will consider participation in extracurricular activities at school and/or in the community. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated leadership experience.

Ability to Apply Critical Thinking Skills
The applicant’s ability to apply critical thinking skills, including demonstrated problem-solving skills, is evaluated based on two letters of recommendation, an essay, and other components of the application.

Financial Need
LAESF provides merit-based scholarships, however, to gain a true gauge of a student’s ability, the Advisory Committee does take into consideration the financial background and life challenges of each applicant. It is strongly recommended that all applicants address the financial need and special circumstances questions in the application.

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2-Year Degree/Certification Scholarship Eligibility (Regional College/Returning Student Scholarships)
New in 2011, the Regional College/Returning Student (RCRS) Scholarship provides opportunities to motivated students returning to a formal education, after a hiatus for other pursuits. These scholarship candidates may have left formal education for business, the military, or other reasons, possibly for an extended period, and are now seeking to expand their opportunities with a certificate or a two-year degree through a program in the regional area. Any permanent resident of Northern New Mexico with a high school diploma or GED who is enrolling in or currently attending an accredited certification or 2-year degree program is eligible to apply.

Similar to the other LAESF Scholarships, selection is based primarily on merit, but because the focus is on returning students, some of whom may have been out of formal education for several years, there will be special emphasis on initiative, motivation, and accomplishments and less on grade point average or tests.

Preference for selection will be shown toward applicants who followed other career opportunities or pursuits for a period of two years or more before deciding to re-enter formal education. Preference may also be given to students pursuing programs related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related vocations, although strong applications in any program area will be considered.

The online application for the new RCRS Scholarship is available. Deadline is December 15, 2011.

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