Scholarships are a valuable investment in our collective future and help turn promising potential into meaningful careers. The LANL Foundation manages a wide range of scholarship funds and ensures that all donor contributions support student awards. The majority of support for scholarships comes from Los Alamos National Laboratory employees and LANL leadership, but we welcome contributions from community members and businesses.
There are several ways to become a LANL Foundation scholarship donor:
- Contribute to the General Scholarship Fund(s). These donations are available immediately to award scholarships.
- Contribute to any of the Named or Memorial Funds below designated for students who meet specific eligibility criteria. Donations to an endowed fund are invested into designated endowments. Earnings from the fund are available to award scholarships in perpetuity.
- Create a new, custom scholarship fund through a planned gift.
Regardless of the donor path you choose, your financial gift is tax deductible.
General Scholarship Funds
Donations to these funds offer the most flexibility in awarding scholarships to deserving students in Northern New Mexico.
Los Alamos Employees’ General Scholarship Fund
Established in 1998 through a partnership between Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), its employees, retirees, contractors, and the LANL Foundation, this fund supports students from Northern New Mexico pursuing undergraduate degrees in fields that benefit the region. Awards are merit-based, with consideration of academic achievement, leadership potential, and service. Financial need, diversity, and regional representation are also integral to the selection process.
Career Pathways Scholarship Fund
Formerly known as the Regional College/Returning Student Scholarship, this fund provides renewable awards for students pursuing two-year degrees, professional certifications, or trades. Many recipients are nontraditional students returning to higher education, while others enter directly after high school.
Los Alamos Employees’ Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established in 1999, this endowment provides lasting scholarship opportunities for Northern New Mexico students. Its purpose is to expand the number and amount of scholarships awarded each year while ensuring permanent funding.
Need-Based Scholarship Fund
Created in 2019, this fund awards scholarships to well-qualified applicants with demonstrated financial need who also meet or exceed merit-based eligibility requirements. First-generation college student status is given special consideration.
Named and Memorial Funds
These funds are established by private donors, partner organizations, and the LANL Foundation to support students who embody the spirit and interests of the donors and the loved ones they wish to honor.
Alan Johnston Memorial Scholarship
Established to honor Alan Johnston, former LANL employee and LANL Foundation board member, this endowed scholarship supports students pursuing a business-related field of study.
Anchorum Health Foundation/ Christus St. Vincent Medical Pathways Scholarship Fund
This fund supports graduates of regional high school medical pathways programs who plan to pursue a two- or four-year degree in a medical field at any accredited New Mexico institution. It is designed to strengthen the pipeline of skilled healthcare workers in the state.
Blaine Meyer Hadden Memorial Scholarship Fund
Created by Marie-Louise Hadden in memory of her husband Blaine of El Rito, this scholarship supports students in Electrical Engineering, or if none qualify, another engineering field. Blaine, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and avid outdoorsman, worked at LANL on Homeland Security’s Second Line of Defense program, securing seaports worldwide.
Bret Knapp Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund
Honoring Bret Knapp, an accomplished LANL engineer and leader, this scholarship is awarded to students pursuing mechanical engineering or related degrees who also demonstrate leadership. Preference is given to student-athletes or those with a passion for math and community service.
Bryan Fearey & Maureen Connolly Endowed Scholarship for Science and the Arts
Established by physical chemists Bryan Fearey and Maureen Connolly, this fund supports students with strong interests in chemistry and a passion for music or the visual arts, reflecting the donors’ commitment to both science and creativity. Read more>
Charles E. & Ellen E. Morris Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established by Ellen E. Morris in memory of her husband, this scholarship supports students from Northern New Mexico pursuing bachelor’s, associate, or certificate programs. Awards are based primarily on academic merit and performance.
Communities in Schools-Endowed Venture Scholarship Fund
Founded in 2024 by Kelly Pope and David Bulfer, this fund supports students who have received at least one year of case-managed support from Communities In Schools of New Mexico. Scholarships are available for high school seniors and alumni pursuing undergraduate degrees at New Mexico institutions.
Climate Change Leadership Institute Endowed Earth & Environmental Science Scholarship Fund
Established in 2014 by Dr. Jeri Sullivan Graham with support from the Climate Change Leadership Institute (CCLI), this scholarship supports students in Earth and Environmental Science fields such as ecology and climate stewardship. Preference is given to Native American first-generation college students. Read more>
Dell Technologies/Wildflower International Endowed Scholarship Fund
Funded by Wildflower International with support from Dell Technologies, this scholarship supports Northern New Mexico students pursuing computer science and other technology fields. The first award was given in 2023. Read more>
Don & Connie Cobb Endowed Education Scholarship Fund
Established in 2016 by Don and Connie Cobb in honor of their daughter, a teacher, this fund supports students pursuing degrees in education. Don, a longtime LANL leader and LANL Foundation board member, also co-founded the LANL Workforce Retirees’ Scholarship Fund. Read more>
Dr. Charles McMillan Tribute Fund
Established in 2024 to honor Dr. Charles McMillan, former Director of LANL. Dr. McMillan was a champion for education and LANL Foundation initiatives, including greatly increasing the number of lab internship opportunities available to Northern New Mexico students. This scholarship awards students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Math and Physics.
Española Education Association, Inc. Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established in 2024, this fund provides scholarships for high school or undergraduate students from Española Valley High School to pursue post-secondary education, including a bachelor’s, associate degree or certificate in any field at any accredited college, university or trade school.
Founders Scholarship
Created to honor the founders of the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund, this annual award recognizes one student who demonstrates persistence in the face of adversity and creates something greater than themselves.
Howard Menlove & Jean Marshall Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established by Howard Menlove to honor his partner Jean Marshall, this scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in education, science, or healthcare. Howard had a very distinguished career at LANL in Nuclear Safeguards and Nonproliferation and Jean was a former educator and public servant.
John & Marti Browne Endowed Leadership Scholarship Fund
Created in 2000 by former LANL Director John Browne and his wife Marti, this award recognizes students with exceptional leadership achievements who also demonstrate financial need. Read more
LANL Workforce Retirees’ Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established in 2018, this fund supports students pursuing degrees critical to LANL and the region, with emphasis on STEM. Awards prioritize academic achievement and financial need.
Marvin Martin Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established in honor of LANL physicist Marvin Mueller, this fund supports children and families of Los Alamos County police officers, as well as students committed to improving the lives of others.
Michael A. Hiskey Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund
Created by colleagues to honor LANL chemist Michael A. Hiskey, this fund supports Northern New Mexico students pursuing nursing degrees to help address the regional shortage of nurses. Read more>
Nancy & Jeffrey Sauer Endowed Scholarship Fund
This fund, established by the Sauers, supports students in Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Hydrology, or Biology who share their passion for the physical and environmental sciences. Read more>
National Security Workforce Scholarship Fund
Established in 2025 in partnership with the New Mexico Consortium, this fund supports students pursuing degrees at New Mexico public institutions that support national security interests, including: Nuclear Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Characterization, Project and Contract Management, and Trades.
Nelson O. & Esperanza Baca Gonzales Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established by Nelson O. Gonzales in honor of his wife, Esperanza, this fund supports students from Mesa Vista High School (primary) or Española Valley High School (secondary). Awards are given to students pursuing higher education or trade certifications who embody a commitment to community and service. Read more>
NNM American Society of Mechanical Engineers Scholarship (ASME)
Established by ASME, this scholarship is awarded to two students annually who are pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or other engineering field.
Northern New Mexico Tribal Business Scholarship Fund
Established by LANL and Los Alamos National Security, LLC, this fund supports Native American students from LANL’s neighboring Tribal communities who are pursuing business-related degrees, strengthening long-term community economic development.
Pete & Elaine Lyons Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established to honor Pete and Elaine Lyons, this fund supports students with demonstrated leadership, commitment to service, and financial need. Pete Lyons dedicated his life to science, education, and public service, including roles at LANL, Los Alamos Public Schools, and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Peterson Career Pathways Scholarship Fund
Founded in 2023 by a group of advisors to honor their dear friend Karen Peterson, lovingly described as a “curmudgeon, cat lover, journalist, linguist and a sometimes-bothersome iconoclast.” This fund supports students pursuing associate degrees or professional certifications.
Rae Lee Siporin Scholarship
Created by first-generation graduate and former UCLA Director of Admissions, Rae Lee Siporin, this scholarship supports first-generation and Native American female students. Siporin is credited with developing a holistic, inclusive admissions process that reshaped the UCLA student body.
Raymond M. Chavez Memorial Scholarship
Awarded annually to a student from the Chimayó/Española Valley with exceptional community service, this scholarship honors Raymond M. Chavez, a lifelong resident of Chimayo. Raymond was employed at LANL for 34 years and served on the LANL Foundation Board of Directors.
The Seidman Family Foundation-Wagon Mound Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established in 2024, this fund honors Tracy Hall Seidman, a talented artist, pioneering female rancher, and dedicated community leader from Wagon Mound, NM. Celebrated for her artistry—especially pine needle basketmaking—and her service to the land, including leadership with the Valles Caldera National Preserve, Tracy inspired all who knew her. This scholarship supports graduates from Wagon Mound High School.
Senator Pete Domenici Endowed Scholarship Fund
The LANL Foundation established this endowed fund to honor Senator Domenici, who made immense contributions to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, LANL Foundation, and communities of Northern New Mexico. This fund awards scholarships annually to one deserving student from each of the seven Northern New Mexico counties who demonstrate “Pete’s Spirit” in their commitment to service.
Sheila Morris Luna Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established in 2020 by Susan Seestrom and Chris Morris in memory of their daughter Sheila, this scholarship supports women pursuing STEM bachelor’s degrees at New Mexico institutions, with consideration for financial need. Read more>
Susan Herrera Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established to honor the LANL Foundation’s first Executive Director and longtime New Mexico State Representative, Susan Herrera. Recipients of this scholarship embody Susan’s leadership, resiliency, and determination in the face of adversity.
Theodore Fritz Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established in 2021 by the Fritz family in honor of Theodore “Ted” Fritz, former LANL scientist and tenured professor at the Center for Space Physics at Boston University. Fritz was an accomplished scientist and a dedicated mentor to his many students at B.U. This fund provides scholarships for students pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM.
Tim Martin Memorial Scholarship
Established by the family of Tim Martin to honor him and support students from his hometown of El Rito, one-time awards are given each year to Mesa Vista High School seniors who exemplify Tim’s spirit of community service and academic performance. Read more>
Veterans Scholarship Fund
Founded in 2024 in partnership with the LANL veterans community, this fund supports veterans and children of veterans from Northern New Mexico who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and service.
William & Gertrude Fradkin Memorial Scholarship
Established by David Fradkin to honor his parents William and Gertrude Fradkin, this scholarship is awarded to one student annually who demonstrates high moral character and has financial need.
Become a LANL Foundation Scholarship Donor
Contributing to our General Scholarship Fund or another existing fund managed by the LANL Foundation is an incredible way to create a future for another person that ultimately benefits our state.
If you’re interested in establishing a new, custom scholarship fund to honor your legacy or that of a loved one or would like to discuss a planned gift to the LANL Foundation, contact Tony Fox, Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Scholarships at 505-753-8890 ext. 116 or email tony@lanlfoundation.org.