Employees raise more than $400,000 for scholars

Thanks to the generosity of Laboratory employees, this year's Los Alamos Employees' Scholarship Fund campaign made a substantial contribution toward increasing opportunities for students across Northern New Mexico.

The campaign exceeded its goal of 50 new recurring donors, with 58 employees activating new biweekly contributions during the campaign period. In total, 682 donors raised $404,000 for the fund (this total includes all the one-time and biweekly donations received since the previous campaign).

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). Employees can make a one-time or recurring biweekly donation through their paychecks.

"Laboratory employees’ investment in the potential of Northern New Mexico students is helping ensure a bright future for us all," said Kayla Norris, Community Partnerships Office campaign coordinator and LAESF fundraising committee member.

This year, 163 students from the region pursuing bachelor’s degrees will receive nearly $1.2 million in scholarships. 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.

"When employees support LAESF, they’re not just helping a student pursue higher education or workforce training; they’re also uplifting their families, strengthening their communities and investing in the future of our region," said Mike Ammerman, scholarship program director of the LANL Foundation, the independent nonprofit that administers the scholarship program. "Every person deserves the chance to build a better life for themselves, and Laboratory employee donations make that opportunity a reality.”

Students celebrated at banquet

This year's recipients were honored May 17 at the annual LANL Scholars banquet at the Hilton Buffalo Thunder Resort in Pojoaque.

The event included over 400 guests, including students, family members, donors, LAESF Advisory Committee members and LANL Foundation board members and staff.

The event highlighted the broad reach and impact of the scholarship program, with recipients from communities across Northern New Mexico pursuing fields ranging from government and law to education, science, healthcare and business. 

Students shared stories about their academic journeys, their goals for the future, and how scholarship support has helped create more opportunities along the way. 

Layla Whitfield from Wagon Mound spoke about growing up in a small community where opportunities could feel limited, but support never was. Whitfield plans to attend New Mexico Highlands University to study early childhood education and sociology. Inspired by her teachers and family, she hopes to create classrooms where every child feels seen, supported and valued.