Helping area students pay for college

In 1998, Los Alamos National Laboratory and its employees, retirees and contractors partnered with the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation to create the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund (LAESF). The Fund’s goal is to provide scholarships that support the students of Northern New Mexico who are pursuing degrees in fields that will serve the region.

Awards are based on academic performance, leadership potential, critical thinking skills and career goals. Financial need, diversity and regional representation are integral components of the selections process.

Many award winners are the first in their family to go to college, some have overcome incredible challenges to stay on track and excel. All winners have challenged themselves to uniquely achieve their educational goals and express the desire to give back to others through their careers.

Scholarships support Northern New Mexico students in all fields of study, not just STEM, to attend local and out-of-state colleges and universities. Awards are offered in three categories: General 4-year Undergraduate Scholarships, Regional College/Returning (Nontraditional) Student Scholarships, and Tribal Business Scholarships, each with separate criteria and deadlines. 

The scholarships are independently administered by the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Foundation.

Some awards highlight specific qualifications such as:

• Science, technology, engineering, and math degrees
• Teaching degrees
• First-generation college students
• Native American students
• Native Americans pursuing business degrees
• Outstanding leadership and merit
• Higher financial need
• Resiliency and determination
• Residency in certain communities
• Nontraditional students locally pursuing 2-year degrees or certifications

By receiving a scholarship from LAESF, students are given validation from employees of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Lab employees, contractors and retirees, along with Triad National Security contribute to building a sustainable scholarship fund that makes educational opportunities available to hopeful students, many of whom may not have the money, support, or encouragement to attend college.

In 2018, 142 Northern New Mexico students received $712,950 from the Los Alamos Employees Scholarship Fund (LAESF)

The 2018 drive raised more than $400,000 from Laboratory employees.

Learn more about the scholarships at the LANL Foundation's site.