Financial Aid & Scholarships

DUE DATE: Aug. 2024: NM Friends of Foster Children Scholarship. $1,000. Seniors aged 17 - 25 who have been in the foster system for at least 1 year. Apply here: http://www.nmffc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/NMFFCApplicationFINAL-pdf-2018.pdf

NM Activities Association (NMAA) Scholarships

• Due Date: Feb. 1, 2024

Several different awards for graduating seniors involved in HS athletics and/or activities. Detailed online application requites transcript, essay, recommendations, nomination; start early!

Gail & Phil Hines Scholarship

• Due Date: Feb. 1, 2024
• Amount: $1,000
• Senior females from ABQ only!
• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Application here

Optimist Club Essay Contest

• Due Date: Feb. 9, 2024
• Amount: $2,500 (if you win at the local level and then at District level)
• Essay topic: See Ms. Velhagen
• Eldorado students have won $2,500!

Open to all students younger than age 19 as of Oct. 1, 2023. To apply, fill out application (pick up paper copy from Ms. Velhagen) and email or drop off application along with essay and proof of age (must be copy of passport or birth certificate) to Ms. Velhagen. Read the detailed instructions on the application form very carefully.

Optimist Oratorical (Speech) Contest

• Due Date: Feb. 15, 2024
• Amount: $2,500 (if you win at the local level and then at District level).
• Speech topic: See Ms. Velhagen
• You will present your speech on: Feb. 29 @ 6 PM in the EHS Lecture Hall
• Eldorado students have won $2,500!

Open to all students younger than age 19 as of Oct. 1, 2023. To apply, fill out application (pick up paper copy from Ms. Velhagen), and email or drop off application along with proof that you are under 19 (must be copy of passport or birth certificate) to Ms. Velhagen.  Read the detailed instructions on the application form very carefully. 

Organ Transplant Awareness Program (OTAP) Scholarship

• Due Date: Feb. 14, 2024
• Amount: $500
• Seniors only

$500 scholarships will be awarded to 2 NM high school seniors in memory of Betty Montoya (kidney recipient) and Jaime Munoz (double lung recipient). OTAP scholarship program promotes organ and tissue donation as an important social responsibility and assists NM youth with higher education. Application form available on the OTAP NM Website.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

• Due Date: Feb. 2024
• Hispanic/Latinx Seniors only
• Amount: $1,000
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Aldo Leopold Writing Contest/Scholarship

• Due Date: Feb. 2024
• Amount: $500
• Open to grades 9-12
• Details and application

Write brief essay on topic provided re: global conservation & the environment.

Coolidge Scholars

• Due Date: February 2024
• Juniors only!

Full-ride scholarship that can be used at any accredited college or university. For juniors with excellent academics who are interested in public policy. Application and details on Coolidge Scholars website.

The Dream.US Scholarship

• Due Date: Feb. 2024
• For students who are undocumented
• Details and application on website

Coach Mike "Papa" Brown MSA Scholarship Fund

• Due Date: Feb. 28, 2024
• Awards range from $5,000 to $1,000.
• Open to APS senior athletes with a 3.5 GPA or above. 
• Information here and apply here!
• EHS students have won!

Student must plan to attend college or trade school starting no later than Fall 2024. Five winners will be selected and awarded as follows:

• Grand Prize: $5,000
• First runner-up: $4,000
• Second runner-up: $3,000
• Third runner-up: $2,000
• Fourth runner-up: $1,000.

FAFSA Drawing

Seniors, once you've completed the FAFSA, enter your name in this drawing to win $500! EHS students HAVE won! Drawings held through July 2024.

DUE DATE: March 1, 2024: NM Association of School Business Officials Scholarship: Seniors only, who will ATTEND A NM COLLEGE. $1500 or $2500 (7-10 scholarships awarded!) Apply here. Requirements: complete scholarship application through Reviewr which includes the following: a) Demonstrate strong academic achievement with a 3.0 GPA or better and submit a copy of the following documents: unofficial high school transcript & ACT and/or SAT scores. b) Submit typed essay (double spaced and no longer than two pages). The essays will be scored according to the following criteria: Details of your plans for attending college and pursuing a college degree; Information on how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational goals; Information demonstrating your financial need; Information about your service to the community or school district if any. c) Submit two letters of recommendation written by a teacher, staff member, or school administrator. (*Must be on school letterhead.*) 2. A graduating senior from an accredited public or charter high school in NM. 3. The school district or charter high school is a current member of NMASBO. 4. Enroll and attend a college or university of your choice in New Mexico as a full-time student (12 or more semester hours/credits). 5. Available to all NM HS Seniors graduating in the 2023-24 academic year with no emphasis placed on ethnicity or gender.

DUE DATE: March 2, 2024: Mayflower Society of NM $1,620 Scholarship (seniors & current college students only): requires essay re: Mayflower Compact, resume, transcript & 2 letters of rec. Application here. ELDO STUDENTS HAVE WON!

DUE DATE: March 4, 2024: Jiffy Lube Teen Driver Scholarship Program. 1 overall $5,000 award; 2 finalist $1,500 awards. Two categories: licensed teen drivers and students in driver's ed. Simple application and 500-word essay re: "What Drives You?"! Apply on Jiffy Lube website here. ELDORADO STUDENTS HAVE WON! AND IN 2021, ELDORADO WAS AWARDED $500 FOR BEING THE NEW MEXICO HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE MOST APPLICATIONS!

DUE DATE: March 8, 2024: $500 - $1,000 scholarship. APS Seniors only, min. 3.0 GPA. Diane Gillen Future Educator Scholarship: application here. Perfect for seniors who plan to go into TEACHING. Requires online application with brief question-essays, along with the following documentation: current high school transcript, letter of interest, resume, letter of recommendation either from a school principal, teacher, counselor, mentor or coach, and (optional) any recognitions or awards you have received, as a result of your achievements. The scholarship(s) will be given to an APS senior who: has demonstrated passion and strong commitment to pursue a career in education; recipient must intend to pursue higher education at a four year college/university; academic performance will be considered, with a minimum GPA of 3.0; has worked in community service and extracurricular activities.

DUE DATE: March 15, 2024: Horatio Alger State Scholarship $10,000. JUNIORS ONLY! Assists students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need ($55,000 or lower), a good academic record (2.0 GPA min.), commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society.

DUE DATE: March 18, 2024: Advancing Young Women in STEM Scholarship  ($500 - $1,000). Open to juniors and seniors. Goal: to inspire the next generation of female innovators and leaders. Applicants must be: high school Jr/Sr applying to college in STEM OR a current undergraduate in a STEM field; resident of NM OR currently enrolled at a NM college/university; a woman (25 or younger) pursuing a STEM education/career; GPA of 2.5 or higher (4.0 scale). Application. Email: jmcconaughy@explora.us

DUE DATE: March 20, 2024: Quest Bridge College Prep Scholars:  JUNIORS with outstanding grades and test scores + lower-income backgrounds (typically less than $65K for a family of 4, and often less). Fantastic opportunity to apply for free and attend elite colleges on scholarship! See site for details, and to see if you qualify. Contact Ms. Velhagen with questions! Quest Bridge College Prep Scholars website AN ELDORADO STUDENT RECEIVED A FULL-RIDE SCHOLARSHIP TO STANFORD THROUGH THIS PROGRAM!

DUE DATE: March 31, 2024: APS Education Foundation Varsity Award Scholarship. Seniors only. Seven $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to APS Seniors. Qualify in up to 10 college/career preparation categories and apply up to 10 times using this form. Several EHS students have won this!

DUE DATE: April 1, 2024: Lockheed Martin Scholarship: Seniors only. 200 renewable $10,000 (x 4 years) Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarships awarded. Open to eligible engineering or computer science majors*, who demonstrate financial need and come from underrepresented or underserved communities. Applicants must be: U.S. Citizens; HS seniors or freshman or sophomore undergraduates with a minimum GPA of 2.5; majoring or planning to *major in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics; plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S. for the upcoming academic year; demonstrate financial need; be willing to consider internship opportunities with Lockheed Martin.

 DUE DATE: April 1, 2024: Kirtland Spouses Scholarship. $$$ value to be decided: The number of scholarships awarded each year and the amount of each scholarship will vary based on funds available, the number of applicants, and the quality of applications. Seniors only, starting college or trade school in Fall 2024, must be a dependent of Armed Forces personnel assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base or on remote assignment. Instructions and application here. ELDO STUDENTS HAVE WON!

DUE DATE: April 1, 2024: Project Yellow Light. $2,000-$8,000. Social media, video & radio campaign against distracted driving, open to all HS students. In addition to a scholarship, the winning video may be turned into an Ad Council PSA and distributed nationally to approximately 1,800 TV stations. The winning design may be turned into a billboard and displayed on Clear Channel Outdoor digital billboards across the U.S. The winning radio spot may be shared on iHeartRadio's national network and radio stations across the U.S. They're looking for: a video, billboard design or radio spot created to motivate, persuade and encourage your peers to not drive distracted. You have a unique opportunity to play a key role in spreading this important message. You can speak to your peers on this subject in a way that adults cannot. The more lives you can impact, the more lives you can save. Apply here!

DUE DATE: Apply from March 27 - June 5, 2024: Duck Tape "Stuck on Prom" contest: make your prom dress/tux out of duct tape and win up to $10,000! 

DUE DATE: April 12, 2024: NM Coalition of Educational Leaders (NMCEL) Scholarship: $3,000 (2 awards). Seniors only. 3.0 min. GPA, preference given to students considering a major in education (including teaching, Counseling) Requires application form, essay and 2 letters of reference. Application & details here, here and here.

DUE DATE: See website for deadlines in Spring 2024: NM Engineering Foundation Scholarships: amounts & requirements vary. See NM Engineering Website for details and applications. READ THROUGH WEBSITE CAREFULLY! The NM Engineering Foundation offers both university and high school scholarships. University scholarships are primarily offered in the spring and are designated for students majoring in engineering, math, or science at a New Mexico college or university. Scholarships are also designated for graduating NM high school seniors who plan to pursue undergraduate degrees in engineering, math, or science.

DUE DATE: April 4, 2024: Bryan Cline Memorial Soccer Scholarship, $800. Senior varsity soccer players only. One male & one female EHS varsity soccer player will be awarded this scholarship! Details here and apply here.

DUE DATE: April 4, 2024: $2,000 (over 4 years). Manuel Lujan Scholarship, for seniors attending public college in-state. Details here and apply here. One EHS student WILL be awarded this scholarship!

DUE DATE: April 4, 2024: NM Manufactured Housing Association Scholarship Fund through ABQ Community Foundation. Details here and apply here. Up to $1,000 assistance to NM graduating HS seniors residing in a manufactured (mobile) home. GPA minimum: 3.0.

DUE DATE: April 4, 2024: James Ledwith Memorial Scholarship: One or more scholarships of up to $2,000. Details here and apply here.This scholarship program will annually award one or more scholarships up to $2,000 to HS graduates from ABQ who continue to pursue a “life dream”/professional or educational goal in spite of facing extraordinary life challenges. The recipient will be a graduating high school senior from the ABQ Metro Area who has overcome their personal adversity and demonstrates: hope, faith and courage; thoughtfulness and service to others; living life, pursing dreams and enabling one’s self. The scholarship is to be used for post-secondary education at an accredited nonprofit or public educational institution in pursuit of a “life dream” and/or professional goal. The school may be a two- or four-year college or university and the student must attend full time. The applicant needs to demonstrate that he/she is capable of succeeding in that educational pursuit and that this scholarship will help them in this endeavor.

DUE DATE: April 4, 2024: Kiwanis Club of ABQ Scholarship through ABQ Community Foundation. Seniors only, $1,000. Details here and application here. Assistance to graduating students with strong community service experience and strong academic records from an ABQ metro area HS, who are planning a career in child development and/or teaching.

DUE DATE: April 4, 2024: $10,000! Seniors only. Woodcock Family Education Fund through ABQ Community Foundation: details here and application here. Assistance to ABQ metro area HS graduating seniors of exceptional promise in the fields of science and math.

DUE DATE: April 11, 2024: $1,000. Neil Isbin Scholarship. Seniors only. Neil Isbin was a lifelong human rights activist who worked tirelessly for equality and justice, gay and lesbian rights, affordable health care for all New Mexicans, tax fairness for working families, and public employee collective bargaining. Open to all ABQ-area high school seniors who (1) have demonstrated achievements or ongoing volunteer work supporting human rights and human dignity, and (2) will be enrolling in an accredited nonprofit college or university in the fall. There are no restrictions on eligibility based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability status. Info and application here.

DUE DATE: April 12, 2024: CGCS-Bernard Harris Scholarship. $5,000. Open to African American and Hispanic seniors who plan to pursue college studies in one of the STEM-related fields. Application here.

DUE DATE: April 4, 2024: Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Fund through ABQ Community Foundation. Seniors only, $500 to $2,000 assistance to students to further their education in an undergraduate program OUT-OF-STATE OR AT IN-STATE PRIVATE COLLEGES*, who need financial assistance to address the ‘gap’ in financial aid packages. *PLEASE NOTE: two different receipt deadlines/categories for this scholarship: 1) Deadline for students who will attend out-of-state schools or in-state private schools: April 4, 2024; 2) Deadline for students who will attend NM public schools: June 6, 2024. Details here and apply here. MULTIPLE ELDORADO STUDENTS HAVE WON THIS!

DUE DATE: April 20, 2024: Camilla Rowe Memorial Scholarship (for students who went to Eisenhower Middle School!)  $1,000. Must be a graduating senior of La Cueva or Eldorado and must have attended Eisenhower MS for a minimum of one full year. Submit this application including a 400 - 500 word essay on “How learning about the Holocaust has influenced my views of social justice.” by April 20, 2024. Submit the essay and application via email to: camillarowescholarship@gmail.com

DATE: April 30, 2024: Always an Eagle Scholarship, sponsored by EHS Class of 1981: $5,000.81 to UP TO TWO EHS seniors. Requirements: 2.5 GPA, plans to further your education after HS, strong attendance record. Must complete & submit these 3 items to velhagen@aps.edu:

• This application (MAKE A COPY before filling out) 
• 300-word (or fewer) essay -- see application for topic
• letter of recommendation from teacher re: how you embody one or more of these qualities: respectful, responsible, dependable, actively involved, engaged/take initiative.

DEADLINE: May 3, 2024: $1,000 Koffler Scholarship. Seniors only. See Ms. Velhagen for details about the application (form here: make copy). For students who plan to study an artistic/creative field in college, including visual art, theater, music, architecture, film. Portfolio/work samples required. 

DUE DATE: May 30, 2024: The Coach Chris Eaton Memorial Scholarship is valued at up to $10,000. Open to graduating student-athletes at all APS traditional/magnet (alternative) high schools. The scholarship will be given to up to two students who (a) have the intent to move on to an education beyond high school (college or vocational school), (b) participated in at least one varsity school-sponsored sport, and (c) meet the criteria of academic achievements, athletic achievements, leadership and teamwork, and community involvement. The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of up to $10,000 in 2024. Application: https://www.chriseatonfoundation.org/scholarship

DUE DATE: May 31, 2024: Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union Scholarship: $4,000 for 1st place; additional scholarships as well.  Application here. The 2024 essay scholarship competition will open in April for members who are attending college in 2024 or 2025, with a top award of $4,000 for education expenses. Applicants must be new or returning students with a minimum 2.5 GPA who will attend a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at an accredited institution. 

DUE DATE: June 6, 2024: Andrew Piech Memorial Scholarship through the Albuquerque Community Foundation. Assistance up to $2,200 to students in the field of Automotive Technology and related Applied Technologies. Students must pursue a degree or certificate from a nonprofit, public automotive or technical vocational institution including community colleges.

DUE DATE: June 6, 2024: David R. Woodling Memorial Scholarship through the Albuquerque Community Foundation. Up to $4,600 in assistance to student(s) attending an accredited nonprofit or public educational institution in pursuit of a certificate or degree in a metals technology program with a concentration in machine tool technology and welding.

DUE DATE: June 6, 2024: Youth in Foster Care Scholarship Fund through Albuquerque Community Foundation: Assistance (one or two awards up to $1,000) to young adults who have been in the New Mexico foster care system who want to develop a marketable skill or continue their education at a post-secondary school.

DUE DATE: June 6, 2024: Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Fund through Albuquerque Community Foundation. $500 to $2,000 assistance to students to further their education in an undergraduate program at public schools IN NEW MEXICO who need financial assistance to address the "gap" in financial aid packages. *PLEASE NOTE: this is for students who will attend New Mexico state public schools.

DUE DATE: June 17, 2024 Kirtland Federal Credit Union Club F.I.T. scholarships (total of 4 $2,500 scholarships awarded). Seniors only; must be a member, child, or grandchild of a member in good standing with Kirtland Federal Credit Union. Must be accepted to an accredited 2- or 4-year institution and attending college for the first time. Scholarship must be used exclusively to pay the tuition or associated costs of named winner only at an accredited 2- or 4- year institution. Application.

DUE DATE: June 25, 2024: Navajo Nation Scholarships including Chief Manuelito Scholarship, for Navajo senior students only. $7,000/yr. ACT & GPA minimums -- see chart; must also complete Navajo language and government classes. Details and application here.

DUE DATE: Sept. 2024: SENIORS ONLY. FULL RIDE! HIGHLY COMPETITIVE! The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship (pays full-ride after all other scholarships/grant $ applied) for outstanding HS seniors from low-income households who are African-American, Native American/Alaska Native (proof of tribal enrollment required), Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American; Pell Grant-eligible (determined through FAFSA); U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident; in good academic standing with min. 3.3 weighted GPA. To learn more, watch this video. An ideal candidate will have: an outstanding academic record in HS (top 10% of graduating class); demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities); exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.) Application here: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship

DUE DATE: September 2024: Quest Bridge National College Match: FULL RIDE!  Seniors with outstanding grades & test scores + low income backgrounds (typically households earning less than $65,000/yr. for a family of four, and often less). Fantastic opportunity for a full-ride scholarship to a highly selective college/university. See Quest Bridge website for details and application, and to see if you qualify. Ask Ms. Velhagen if you have questions! -- JUNIORS: SEE MARCH 2025 DUE DATE FOR JUNIORS' VERSION!

DUE DATE: October 2024: AES Engineering Scholarship. Info at AES website $500. Seniors only. Submit essay (topic on website) to scholarships@aesengineers.com Include in your email: full name, HS name, and your plans for next year. 

DUE DATE: Oct. 2024: Daniels Fund Scholarship. Seniors only. Competitive scholarship with financial need component (must qualify through FAFSA before applying). There is a "financial need" component, which is determined by your FAFSA. See Daniels website here to check if you qualify. The Daniels Scholarship Program provides a four-year, annually renewable college scholarship that is unique to each student and varies depending on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC- this is determined by your FAFSA) and their choice of school and degree program. The scholarship pays up to $25,000 per year toward the student’s unmet need, after applying their EFC, other scholarships, and financial aid. Daniels Scholars may attend any accredited college or university in the United States. ELDORADO STUDENTS HAVE WON THIS SCHOLARSHIP!  

DUE DATE: Nov. 2024: Prudential Emerging Visionaries Award (formerly Prudential Spirit of Community Awards): open to all HS students with substantial community service/volunteer experience. Apply online here. Top honorees earn cash awards and all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C. Qualifying honorees also receive President’s Volunteer Service Awards.

DUE DATE: Nov. 2024: Elks Most Valuable Student Competition. Seniors only. (500 Awards - $50,000). See website here for details and application.  ELDORADO STUDENTS HAVE WON THIS SCHOLARSHIP! 

DUE DATE: Nov. 2024: Young Asian American Student Award. $250. Open to Asian-American 10th - 12th grade students with excellent academic achievements, leadership in community service, global awareness, and professional development. The application is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with Asian heritage currently enrolled in 10th to 12th grade in NM high schools, excluding those who have received this award previously. Submission Guidelines: Please submit your application on the CIE/USA-NM website by clicking here (or www.cie-nm.org). ]Additionally, to complete the application, the following documents in a single PDF file must be uploaded through the application website. Incomplete application will not be considered. EHS STUDENT WON THIS!

• 1. Official high school transcript (ask Ms. Velhagen how to make this part of your application PDF)
• 2. Personal Statement
• 3. Resume
• 4. A letter of support from either a teacher or a community leader familiar with the student’s achievements and activities
• If you have any questions, please contact with the Evaluation Committee Chair, Dr. Huining Kang (kanghn@unm.edu)

DUE DATE: November 2024: National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship: Awards: 475 national semifinalists - $2,850 scholarship; 24 national finalists - $5,150 scholarship; 1 national winner - $22,650 scholarship. Seniors who are NHS members only. See website for details and you must contact Ms. Moleres, NHS Sponsor, to apply. Requires application & 3 recommendations.

DUE DATE: January 2025: GE-Reagan Scholarship. Seniors only. Up to $40,000! The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education. Min. 3.0 GPA. More info here. Application here.

DUE DATE: January 2025: Foot Locker Student-Athlete Scholarship. Seniors only. (20 x $20,000 awarded!) Applicant must: be entering college as a Freshman at a four-year school for an undergraduate degree; be currently involved in high school, intramural or community-based sports; minimum GPA of 3.0; U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; not an employee, officer or director of Foot Locker, Inc., or any of its subsidiaries, or a member of the immediate family of such an employee, officer or director. They are looking for students who: embody good sportsmanship and strong moral character; are trusted and respected members of their schools and communities and have built long-term relationships; are passionate and committed to empowering the community in which they live; have made a significant long-term commitment to improving the lives of others; display academic excellence. Foot Locker Scholar Athletes have diverse backgrounds, are from different places, have varied academic ambitions, and play different sports; they are proactive, highly motivated, inspiring & charismatic, honest & trustworthy, genuine, strong & courageous. Requires 2 brief essay questions and letters of recommendation, so start early. Apply on website here.

DUE DATE: January 2025: DECA Scholarships. Must be an active DECA member. Information on website here! 

DUE DATE: January 2025: Climate justice, mental health awareness, and diversity in STEM fields scholarships, $2500. Details & application on Dosomething.org website.

DUE DATE: January 2025: Hamilton Relay Scholarship, $500, seniors only who are deaf, hard-of-hearing. Submit application, write essay on the topic of communication technology, and provide a letter of recommendation in order to qualify. Application & info at: https://hamiltonrelay.com/high-school-scholarships.html