Los Alamos LAESF Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation
You must register for an account to access the application. If you have questions, email scholarships@lanlfoundation.org.
Overview
The LANL Foundation offers four‑year undergraduate scholarships for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in any discipline — STEM, health care, education, business, the humanities, etc. Applicants use a single application to be considered for more than 30 distinct awards. The Los Alamos Employees Scholarship Fund (LAESF) Advisory Committee reviews all submissions, matches applicants to every scholarship for which they qualify, and awards scholarships to the strongest candidates in each category.
Award amounts and renewal
Awards range from $1,000 for one year up to $20,000 distributed over four years. Continued funding is contingent on remaining in good academic standing and meeting minimum GPA and enrollment requirements.
Eligibility
Four‑Year Undergraduate Scholarships are competitive and available to students who meet all of the following:
- Have been a resident of Northern New Mexico for at least 366 consecutive days in one of these counties: Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos. (Students enrolled in residential schools located in those counties — Santa Fe Indian School, New Mexico School for the Deaf, or New Mexico School for the Arts — are eligible regardless of their primary residence.)
- Hold a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.25.
- Are enrolling in or currently attending an accredited postsecondary institution to earn a four‑year degree.
Notes on testing, citizenship, and affiliations
- ACT/SAT scores are not required.
- U.S. citizenship is not required.
- No preference is given to applicants with Los Alamos National Laboratory affiliation.
Additional preference for current undergraduates
For applicants already in college, preference may be given to nontraditional students, first‑generation college students, those with high financial need, and students attending a higher education institution in New Mexico.
Selection criteria — Achievement, leadership, service
Recipients are chosen based on demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Applicants should show evidence of academic rigor (Honors, AP, IB, dual‑credit, or similar coursework when available). The review committee also weighs participation in extracurricular and community activities, leadership roles (including family or Tribal leadership), and a sustained record of meaningful service with an intent to continue contributing to the community. Preference is given to applicants with clear leadership experience.
What to submit
All applicants must provide:
- Two letters of recommendation: one academic and one extracurricular (e.g., coach, supervisor, employer, community or Tribal leader), or two academic recommendations.
- Three short essays (each up to 250 words) addressing: 1) career goals and reasons for pursuing a college degree, 2) significant leadership roles you have held, and 3) the impact of your community service.
- One optional essay to offer any additional context about your background or life experiences.
High school seniors
- Provide a copy of your high school transcript showing grades through junior year.
- If you have postsecondary coursework not listed on your high school transcript, submit those college transcripts as well.
Current undergraduate students
- College freshmen must submit both their high school transcript and their current college transcript.
- College sophomores, juniors, and seniors must submit their current college transcript.
Questions or problems
If you need help with the application or have other inquiries, contact scholarships@lanlfoundation.org.