Laboratory employees raise more than $420,000 for scholars

Los Alamos National Laboratory employees pledged $422,000 during the recently completed 2025 Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund (LAESF) fundraising campaign, with more than 180 employees donating for the first time.

The fund awards a range of college scholarships to outstanding Northern New Mexico students (who do not have to have any connection to the Laboratory).

"On behalf of the LANL Foundation and the LAESF Advisory Committee, I extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this year's campaign," said Mike Ammerman, scholarship program director at the LANL Foundation, the independent nonprofit that administers the scholarships.

Beating its targets

The campaign exceeded its goal of 100 new donors and raised $17,000 more than last year's total. Altogether, 743 donors raised $422,000 for the fund (including all the one-time and biweekly donations received since the previous campaign). 

The 2025 campaign celebrated the scholarship recipients — LANL Scholars — as essential to the mission of the Lab and the vitality of the region, and highlighted LAESF's commitment to award $1 million annually to students pursuing degrees and certifications that serve Northern New Mexico.

In 2025, 138 students from the region pursuing bachelor’s degrees will receive 147 scholarships worth $1,030,000. Awards are also made to students pursuing two-year programs and certificates through the Career Pathways scholarships.

Laboratory operator Triad also supports LAESF with a contribution, with a particular focus on needs-based scholarships.