Scholarships

Since 1999, Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund (LAESF) has changed the lives of students from diverse backgrounds and communities in Northern New Mexico. A scholarship not only provides meaningful dollars to offset rising college costs, but also provides a tremendous emotional boost to students.

Each year, LANL Foundation has the privilege of awarding scholarships to amazing students who have worked hard in and out of the classroom to become well-rounded individuals and members of their communities.

Many are the first in their family to go to college, some have overcome incredible challenges to stay on track and excel. All winners have challenged themselves to uniquely achieve their educational goals and express the desire to give back to others through their careers.

Scholarship Fact Sheet         Award Reception Highlights

Funding Diverse Career Opportunities

Scholarships support Northern New Mexico students in all fields of study, not just STEM, to attend local and out-of-state colleges and universities. Awards are offered in three categories: General 4-year Undergraduate Scholarships, Regional College/Returning (Nontraditional) Student Scholarships, and Tribal Business Scholarships, each with separate criteria and deadlines. 

Some awards highlight specific qualifications such as:

  • Science, technology, engineering, and math degrees
  • Teaching degrees
  • First-generation college students
  • Native American students
  • Native Americans pursuing business degrees
  • Outstanding leadership and merit
  • Higher financial need
  • Resiliency and determination
  • Residency in certain communities
  • Nontraditional students locally pursuing 2-year degrees or certifications

By receiving a scholarship from LAESF, students are given validation from employees of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Lab employees, contractors, and retirees, along with Los Alamos National Security, LLC (LANS), local businesses, and community members have contributed to build a sustainable scholarship fund that makes educational opportunities available to hopeful students, many of whom may not have the money, support, or encouragement to attend college.

Donate to Scholarships

In the past 20 years, more than 1,500 scholarships worth $6.8 million have supported local students attending accredited institutions across the country.

The LANL Foundation manages the funds and oversees the program with strong support from a dedicated Advisory Committee of 25 donor volunteers.

Los Alamos National Laboratory employees and LANS, the Lab's management company, have generously donated most of the funds for these scholarships. The Lab also works to place scholarship winners into internships with a mentor. Through these partnerships, LAESF serves as the leader in private scholarship opportunities in the region and will continue to fund student career dreams for decades to come.

LAESF Alumni

Learn More & Apply:

For more information about Scholarships, donations or joining the Advisory committee, contact John McDermon, Scholarship Program Manager at (505) 753-8890 x 115 or scholarships@lanlfoundation.org.