163 Northern New Mexico students receive nearly $1.2 million in scholarships

The independent nonprofit LANL Foundation has announced this year’s recipients of its four-year undergraduate degree scholarships. More than 160 Northern New Mexico students pursuing bachelor’s degrees will receive scholarships totaling nearly $1.2 million.

The four-year undergraduate scholarships, largely funded by donations from Laboratory employees, are open to students from Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, and Taos pursuing a degree in any field of study. The scholarships are open to every student from the region, and range from $1,000 for a single year up to $20,000 over four years. Recipients are selected based on a demonstrated commitment to academic achievement, leadership and service.

“These scholarships are more than financial awards — they are bridges among generations,” says LANL Foundation President and CEO Gwen Perea Warniment. “A LANL Foundation scholarship honors the resilience of our ancestors while investing in the brilliance of our youth, ensuring that the talent rooted in our mountains and valleys has the resources to flourish — and the power to give back to both the world and the communities we call home.” 

Meet the Gold Scholars

This year, three exceptional students were awarded the prestigious $20,000 Gold Scholarship.

• Eileen Ou (Academy for Technology and the Classics, Santa Fe) is a National Merit Finalist, international Health Occupation Students of America champion, and dedicated volunteer who hopes to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.
• Antonio Romero (Robertson High School, Las Vegas) has balanced academics, work and family caregiving while leading his local Future Farmers of America chapter, performing as a mariachi violinist, and completing extensive college coursework. These experiences have shaped his goal to pursue law, using his education to strengthen families and communities. 
• Sydney Zeller (V. Sue Cleveland High School, Rio Rancho) is a three-time state champion and national qualifier in Mock Trial, a New Mexico Speech and Debate medalist, and dedicated school and community leader who plans to study political science and law to better understand and shape societal systems.

Recipients of the Career Pathways Scholarships (for students pursuing associate degrees, certificates, or trades), as well as new graduate scholarships will be announced later in the year.

More than scholarships

LANL Scholars also receive access to resources designed to help them succeed in college and beyond. These include access to: 

• On-campus support programs for first-year and transfer students at the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University
• The LANL Scholars Professional Mentorship Program which matches students with industry professionals to provide guidance, career advice and networking support
• Paid summer internships at the Laboratory, with students matched to mentors in their fields of interest for hands-on experience in STEM and other disciplines

A history of giving

Since 1999, LANL Foundation has awarded nearly 2,900 scholarships totaling close to $15 million. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of employees at the Laboratory, as well as Laboratory operator Triad National Security, the New Mexico Consortium, Anchorum Health Foundation, CHRISTUS St. Vincent, The Española Education Association, and community members who entrust the LANL Foundation to manage their named and endowed scholarship funds.

See a full list of this year’s recipients.