SCHOLARSHIPS
EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Having a current and completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file will help you get scholarships you are awarded!
Each year, it is important to submit a FAFSA so you can maximize your available funding options. Even if you think you don’t qualify, it’s better to have completed a FAFSA than not.
You might be thinking, ‘What do I do and what documents will I need?’ Look here to get an idea of the process and what you will need:
How to fill out the FAFSA and what you need
It takes very little time and our Financial Aid Officers are more than happy to help!
To get your FAFSA application filled out easily and quickly, please contact one of our Financial Aid Officers to set up a Zoom session at your convenience:
Christal Martinez Jessica Forbes
To fill out the FAFSA on your own, click the below link to be directed to the FAFSA website:
Unless otherwise stated in the scholarship description, submitted scholarship applications will be reviewed and awarded on a monthly basis, to the point, funds for each scholarship have been exhausted.
Please be sure to understand, by submitting a scholarship application you are agreeing to the following FERPA guidelines and upon award, the sharing of provided information for data collection and/or to scholarship donors upon their request:
As the applicant of a 2020/2021 academic year UNM-Taos Scholarship, I understand that my academic information, covered under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), may be reviewed by the scholarship committee, which may include the donors of applied to scholarships. By virtually signing at the end of this scholarship application, I, the student, authorize UNM – Taos, to release all information concerning my academic records to the scholarship committee, including the donors of applied to scholarships. I understand this information may be released orally, electronically, or on paper. I have the right to inspect any written records released pursuant to this consent and understand that I may revoke this consent at any time.
What Scholarships are Available?
There are a number of great scholarships available to UNM – Taos students! Check out the list below and click on the links provided to fill out an application!
- What will I need?
You may need to upload some documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc. Don’t fret; in the application it will prompt you and provide area for you upload required documents.
- Do I have to write an essay?
If it is a requirement of the scholarship you are applying for, there will be a space provided for you to type in your essay. To be sure you understand how your essay will be scored, please make sure to read and follow the rubric provided, here and in the application:
UNM – Taos Fall 2020 Scholarships
Grow Your Own Teacher Scholarship
The Grow Your Own Teacher Scholarship is a state-funded scholarship opportunity that supports Educational Assistants as they complete a teacher preparation program that results in a NM teaching license. With state-mandated professional leave from your district, GYOT provides a Pathway for those who do not have licensure, but want to become a NM teacher.
Am I eligible?
Students interested in this opportunity must meet the following requirements:
- Must have worked as an educational assistant in a New Mexico public school for at least two years.
- Must be a US Citizen and resident of New Mexico.
- Must be a student enrolled in the Early Childhood Multicultural Education (Early Childhood Education and Development) AA or the Education AS at UNM-Taos.
- Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours for the Fall 2020 semester.
- Must have a complete financial aid file and qualify for the Federal Pell Grant
- Must have maintained a 2.5 minimum GPA upon application.
Applicants that have earned appropriate educational credentials to be licensed as a teacher by the New Mexico Public Education Department are not eligible for this scholarship.
Are there any other requirements?
As the applicant, you must petition the school of employment to request official leave for college classes, examinations, and practice teaching. The school is required to grant this leave if you are awarded the scholarship.
You must include your unofficial transcripts.
Both of these documents must be uploaded within the application
Daniels Fund Boundless Opportunity
The Boundless Opportunity Scholarship (BOS) is designed to benefit motivated non-traditional students who recognize the power of education to create a better life for themselves and their families. The program helps hardworking students invest in themselves through continued education.
Am I eligible?
Students interested in this opportunity must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a New Mexico Resident
- Must be enrolled in an Associate or Certificate program at UNM-Taos
- Must be enrolled at least Full-Time (12+Credit Hours) and have a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5.
- Must meet one of the following criteria:
- GED Recipient
- Foster Care Youth
- Adult Student seeking an education later in life or returning to school for a “Second Chance”.
- Juvenile Justice Youth
- Returning Military Student
- Individual pursuing EMT/Paramedic Training
- Must have a complete financial aid file.
- Must be making satisfactory academic progress.
Applicants who have previously earned an Associate or Bachelor’s degree are NOT eligible.
Are there any other requirements?
As the applicant, you must include a 500 word essay, within the application, that addresses the following:
- What are your personal and professional aspirations?
- What supports and challenges do you face in accomplishing your goals?
- Describe your dreams in attaining a college education.
Please refer to the following scoring rubric to help you write your essay
UNM-Taos Scholarship Scoring Rubric
You must include your unofficial transcripts which are to be uploaded within the application.
Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship
The Teacher Preparation Affordability (TPA) Scholarship was created to increase the number of teachers in designated high-need teacher positions in New Mexico by funding students enrolled in educator preparation programs.
Am I eligible?
Students interested in this opportunity must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a student enrolled in the Early Childhood Multicultural Education (Early Childhood Education and Development) AA or the Education AS at UNM-Taos.
- Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours for the Spring 2020 semester.
- Must demonstrate financial need as demonstrated through a complete financial aid file.
- Must have maintained a 2.5 minimum GPA upon application.
Applicants that have earned appropriate educational credentials to be licensed as a teacher by the New Mexico Public Education Department are not eligible for this scholarship.
Preference shall be given to applicants who:
- Are English language learners whose first or heritage language was not English;
- Are historically underrepresented minorities in New Mexico’s teaching profession; or
- Have declared intent to teach in a high-need teacher position as defined by the public education department
Are there any other requirements?
As the applicant, you must include a 300 word statement, within the application, outlining your experience and declaring your intent to teach in a high-need position.
Please refer to the following scoring rubric to help you write your essay
UNM-Taos Scholarship Scoring Rubric
You must include your unofficial transcripts which are to be uploaded within the application.
UNM-Taos Pathways Achievement Scholarship
This scholarship was created to provide additional support to high achieving students at the UNM – Taos campus.
Am I eligible?
Students interested in this opportunity must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0,
- Currently enrolled in a UNM-Taos Certificate or Associate Program,
- Must be enrolled at least Full-Time (12+Credit Hours)
Are there any other requirements?
As the applicant, you must include a 500 word essay, within the application, that addresses the following:
Identify an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Please refer to the following scoring rubric to help you write your essay
UNM-Taos Pathways Aspire Scholarship
This scholarship was created to provide additional support to students who have shown persistence and dedication to their education at the UNM – Taos campus.
Am I eligible?
Students interested in this opportunity must meet the following requirements:
- Must be enrolled at least Full-Time (12+Credit Hours)
- Currently enrolled in a UNM-Taos Certificate or Associate Program,
Are there any other requirements?
As the applicant, you must include a 500-word essay, within the application, that addresses the following:
Why do you feel you deserve this scholarship? How have you persisted and how will this scholarship assist you in completing your degree?
Please refer to the following scoring rubric to help you write your essay
TAOS LIONS – EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN SCHOLARSHIP
The goal of the Taos Lions EMT scholarship support award is to assist students who have the probability of achieving an EMT Intermediate Certificate. Awards are based on need and motivation to achieve this certification goal. Financial need is an integral component of the selection process as is the intent of the applicant to pursue this selected career.
Am I eligible?
Any resident of Taos County, including returning veterans, who are enrolling in or currently attending an accredited UNM-Taos Emergency Medical Technician Program (EMT) and enrolled in the UNM-Taos Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate Program is eligible and encouraged to apply.
Are there any other requirements?
As the applicant, you must provide information for two non-family member references: one academic and one extracurricular. Each reference should be able to speak to your overall character and work ethic.
Additionally, you must include a 200 word statement, within the application, describing your personal objectives in receiving an EMT Intermediate Certificate, your intended career path, challenges have you successfully overcome, and how this scholarship help with your career goals.
Please refer to the following scoring rubric to help you write your essay
UNM-Taos Scholarship Scoring Rubric
Is there anything else I should know?
There IS an application deadline! Completed application materials MUST be submitted, postmarked and/or received by October 1, 2020. Applications and materials received or postmarked after the submittal deadline will not be considered.
TAOS LIONS – COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE SCHOLARSHIP
The Lions Club of Taos is invested in helping local applicants to get a CDL-A certificate to fill needs by the local business community. Scholarship awards are based on motivation to earn a CDL Certificate-A, financial need, and the student’s intent to pursue a career as a CDL-A driver.
Am I eligible?
Any resident of Taos County, including returning veterans, who will be, or currently enrolled in, an accredited UNM-Taos Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Certificate Program is invited and encouraged to apply. All applications will be submitted for review and selection by the UNM-Taos/Taos Lions Club Scholarship Committee.
Are there any other requirements?
As the applicant, you must provide information for two non-family member references: one academic and one extracurricular. Each reference should be able to speak to your overall character and work ethic.
Additionally, you must include a 200 word statement, within the application, describing your personal objectives in receiving a CDL-A Certificate, your intended career path, challenges have you successfully overcome, and how this scholarship help with your career goals.
Please refer to the following scoring rubric to help you write your essay
UNM-Taos Scholarship Scoring Rubric
Is there anything else I should know?
There IS an application deadline! Completed application materials MUST be submitted, postmarked and/or received by October 1, 2020. Applications and materials received or postmarked after the submittal deadline will not be considered.
TAOS LIONS – NURSING SCHOLARSHIP
The goal of the Taos Lions Nursing scholarship is to support students pursing degrees in nursing that will serve citizens in the needy areas of Northern New Mexico. Awards are based on academic performance (academic rigor and GPA), leadership potential (extracurricular and community service activities), critical thinking skills, career goals relevant to health care, the intent of the candidate to focus practice of their chosen field in Northern New Mexico and financial need.
Am I eligible?
Any resident of Taos County with at least a 3.25 cumulative unweighted grade point average (GPA), who is enrolled in or currently attending the UNM-Taos School of Nursing program, including returning veterans, are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Are there any other requirements?
As the applicant, you must provide information for two non-family member references: one academic and one extracurricular. Each reference should be able to speak to your overall character and work ethic.
Additionally, you must include a 250 word essay, within the application, describing your personal objectives in pursuing this degree and your intended career path along with how you hope this degree will allow you to make a difference in your life, home and community?
Please refer to the following scoring rubric to help you write your essay
UNM-Taos Scholarship Scoring Rubric
Is there anything else I should know?
There IS an application deadline! Completed application materials MUST be submitted, postmarked and/or received by October 1, 2020. Applications and materials received or postmarked after the submittal deadline will not be considered.
DIRK AND LUCY HERRMAN DMA SCHOLARSHIP
The Dirk and Lucy Herrman Digital Media Arts Scholarship has been developed to assist Taos Pueblo and Native American, Taos High School graduates who are incoming first-year students seeking a degree in Digital Media Arts.
Am I eligible?
Students interested in this opportunity must meet the following requirements:
1. Applicant must be a graduate of Taos High School.
2. Applicant must be a first-year student enrolled in the Digital Media Program at UNM-Taos.
3. Applicant must demonstrate financial need, as indicated by the applicant’s complete financial aid file and information.
4. Applicant must have maintained a 2.5 minimum GPA upon application and receive a 3.0 GPA for the possibility of renewed funding for a 2nd semester.
5. Applicant must be making satisfactory academic progress.
Two scholarships will be given. For one of the two scholarships, first preference will be given to an applicant from the Taos Pueblo (demonstrated by certification of tribal enrollment). Next preference will be an applicant of Native American heritage. If there are no qualified applicants based on this criterion, the scholarship will be available to the entire applicant pool.
Are there any other requirements?
As the applicant, you must include a 500 word essay, within the application, which provides a biographical description as well as an explanation of your future goals and how these goals relate to your interest in Digital Media Arts.
Please refer to the following scoring rubric to help you write your essay
UNM-Taos Scholarship Scoring Rubric
You must include your unofficial transcripts which are to be uploaded within the application.
Jean Lipman-Troxel 2nd Year Nursing Scholarship
The Jean Lipman-Troxel 2nd Year Nursing Scholarship has been developed to assist currently enrolled, UNM-Taos Nursing Program students to continue their educational and career goals.
Am I eligible?
Students interested in this opportunity must meet the following requirements:
- Applicant must be a second-year student enrolled in the Nursing Program at UNM-Taos
- Applicant must demonstrate financial need as indicated by the applicant’s completed financial aid file and information
- Applicant must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Applicant must be making satisfactory academic progress.
Are there any other requirements?
As the applicant, you must include a 500 word essay, within the application, which provides a description as to why you chose to study nursing, what you envision your first post-graduation job to be, as well as where you see your career and yourself in five years-time.
Please refer to the following scoring rubric to help you write your essay.
UNM-Taos Scholarship Scoring Rubric
You must include your unofficial transcripts which are to be uploaded within the application.