Career Pathways Scholarships

Career Pathways Scholarships are for individuals who have a specific career in mind and are committed to earning an associate’s degree or certification in any field or trade. These scholarships are available to high school students and adult learners with a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency (HSE).

For students who have a clear vision of the career they’d like to pursue and are highly motivated to gain the skills and credentials needed to enter the workforce in their career of choice, an associate degree or certification can fast track those dreams. Career Pathways Scholarships are specifically for those who want to earn an associate degree, certification or professional trade credential.  These scholarships are available to high school students and adult learners with a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency (HSE).

Career Pathways Scholarships are $750 awards per semester up to $3,000 total. Renewal is dependent upon remaining in good academic standing and making progress toward completion.

Those Eligible to Apply

Strong applicants pursuing any area of study will be considered for a Career Pathways Scholarship if you meet the following criteria:

• You are currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in a two-year degree or certificate program.
• You are a permanent resident (366 consecutive days+) of Northern New Mexico counties of Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos at the time of application.
• You have earned, or are on track to earn, a high school diploma or GED, are a high school senior currently enrolled in the final semester of high school or near completion of a GED/HSE program.

Successful Applicants Come from All Walks of Life

Career Pathways Scholars are incredibly diverse but share a commitment to improving their quality of life through continued education and training.  Here are some examples:

• A current high school senior with a strong interest in a specific trade or career and intends to enroll in a two-year degree or certificate program in that field immediately after high school.
• A GED recipient who is currently making minimum wage and is motivated to go back to school to gain additional skills and land a better-paying job.
• An adult who left formal education and wants to earn an associate degree that will allow them to pursue their dream and provide for their family at the same time.
• An individual who already has a degree and work experience but wants to pursue a new path. A two-year degree or certification will jumpstart their career change.

Here’s What Is Required to Apply

Scholarship applications are submitted online on our portal. Here’s what you need to apply:

Educational Information

• High school transcript (high school seniors only)
• College transcript (for those with college experience)
• Information on the two-year degree or certificate program you are currently enrolled in or intend to pursue. Degree or certificate information should match the description in your college’s catalog.
• Your past educational experience, including information on your high school or GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) if applicable.
• Any college or trade school experience related to your field of study. For high school students, this includes dual enrollment college classes you may have taken while in high school.

Your Experience

• Your current employment information and employment history, including name of employer(s), location, type of business, positions held and dates, hours worked, brief description of duties, promotions, and other recognition received. You may also include military service if applicable.
• Any leadership roles you may have held.
• Your involvement in school and community activities such as clubs, sports, volunteer service, performance, church, or tribal activities.
• Any honors and awards you may have received through work, school or in your community.

Essay Responses

• Up to four essays (three required) of 250 words maximum. See essay questions on our informational packet online. 
• Your essay responses can be typed directly into the application; however, we suggest that you write your responses in a separate document and then copy and paste them into the online application. This will allow you to check your word count and spelling.

Financial Information

• Though not required, it is strongly recommended that you fill out the section on financial need. You will be asked to report your annual household income.