Career Pathways Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by LANL Foundation
Application window
- The Career Pathways Scholarship will accept applications from January 5 through April 3, 2026.
Program overview
- The Career Pathways Scholarship is intended for motivated learners who know the occupational direction they want to pursue and need a short-term credential or associate degree to enter that career. Awards support enrollment in two-year degree programs, certificate programs, or professional trade credentials. Both high school students and adults who hold (or are working toward) a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) are eligible to apply.
Award amount and renewal
- Awards are $750 per semester, up to $3,000 total. Continued funding for subsequent semesters requires that recipients stay in good academic standing and demonstrate steady progress toward finishing their program.
Who may apply
You may apply if you meet all of the following:
- You are enrolled in, or plan to enroll in, a two-year associate degree or certificate/trade program.
- At the time you submit your application you have been a permanent resident (366 consecutive days or more) of one of these Northern New Mexico counties: Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos.
- You have a high school diploma or GED/HSE, or you are a high school senior in your final semester or close to completing a GED/HSE program.
Examples of successful applicants
- A high school senior who has identified a trade or career and intends to begin a two-year or certificate program right after graduation.
- A GED graduate currently working minimum wage who wants training to move into a better-paying job.
- An adult who previously left school and now wants an associate degree to advance or support their family.
- A person with a prior degree and work history who seeks a new direction that can be launched with a two-year degree or credential.
How to apply
- Applications are submitted online through our portal. Below is a checklist of the information and documents you will need to complete the application.
Educational documentation (bring/upload as applicable)
- High school transcript (required for high school seniors).
- College transcript(s) if you have prior college coursework.
- Details about the two-year degree, certificate, or trade credential you are enrolled in or plan to pursue. Program information should match the description in the college or school catalog.
- A summary of your past education, including high school or GED/HSE information as relevant.
- Any college or trade school coursework related to your chosen field; for high school applicants this includes dual-enrollment courses.
Work, leadership, and activities
- Current and past employment information: employer name(s), location, business type, job titles and dates, hours worked, brief description of responsibilities, promotions, and recognitions. You may also include military service if applicable.
- Any leadership positions you have held.
- Involvement in school and community activities (clubs, sports, volunteer work, performance groups, church or tribal activities).
- Honors, awards, or other recognitions from work, school, or community.
Essay requirements
- You will respond to up to four short essays; three of the essays are required. Each essay must be no more than 250 words. Essay prompts are listed in our online informational packet.
- You may type your answers directly into the application, but we recommend drafting essays in a separate document first so you can check spelling and word counts before copying them into the portal.
Financial information
- Providing financial need information is optional but strongly encouraged. If you complete this section, you will be asked to report your annual household income.
If you have questions about eligibility, required documents, or the online application, contact the scholarship office through the information provided on the portal.