STEM Scholars

STEM Scholars

Explora STEM Scholars Program at X Studio

Explora STEM Scholars Program at X Studio

Explora has established the STEM Scholars Program to support promising seniors pursuing STEM studies at postsecondary institutions in New Mexico. These scholarships aim to encourage students to continue their education in STEM fields, aligning with X Studio’s mission to prepare teens for engaging STEM-related careers that improve economic outcomes for families, strengthen the local workforce, and retain talent within the state.
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Applications are now CLOSED for 2025!

STEM Scholars in a nutshell:

Our country needs lots of scientific minds thinking about the world’s biggest problems. We need ALL students represented in STEM fields, and the STEM Scholars program works to achieve this.

  • Each scholarship is $2,500 and is awarded in a competitive process. 
  • Award selection is based on academic merit, personal qualities and strengths, and a letter of recommendation. 
  • STEM Scholars are trailblazers who have a strong career focus in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Application Deadline: Please check back in Spring of 2026

Deadline to submit supplementary materials: To Be Determined

Application Form
Two people award a $2,500 scholarship to a young woman in indigenous regalia

How would STEM Scholars benefit New Mexico?

According to the NM Legislative Finance Committee Program Evaluation Unit: 

  • New Mexico higher education institutions are underproducing STEM graduates for an average high-tech economy. 
    • Approximately 2,600 STEM students graduate each year for 4,600 high-tech job openings, estimated from Department of Workforce Solutions projections and Brookings Institute data on average high-tech job growth in the U.S.
  • The high-tech industry in New Mexico hires a lower percentage of STEM graduates from New Mexico institutions than expected, compared to the industry national average, and the state struggles to retain top out-of-state talent, as out-of-state STEM students who graduate from New Mexico institutions are half as likely to be employed in New Mexico. (Report #16-05, 2016)
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Explora has established the STEM Scholars Program to support promising seniors pursuing STEM studies at postsecondary institutions in New Mexico. These scholarships aim to encourage students to continue their education in STEM fields, aligning with X Studio’s mission to prepare teens for engaging STEM-related careers that improve economic outcomes for families, strengthen the local workforce, and retain talent within the state.

Applications are now CLOSED for 2025!

STEM Scholars in a nutshell:

Our country needs lots of scientific minds thinking about the world’s biggest problems. We need ALL students represented in STEM fields, and the STEM Scholars program works to achieve this.

  • Each scholarship is $2,500 and is awarded in a competitive process. 
  • Award selection is based on academic merit, personal qualities and strengths, and a letter of recommendation. 
  • STEM Scholars are trailblazers who have a strong career focus in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Application Deadline: Please check back in Spring of 2026

Deadline to submit supplementary materials: To Be Determined

Download Application

How would STEM Scholars benefit New Mexico?

According to the NM Legislative Finance Committee Program Evaluation Unit: 

  • New Mexico higher education institutions are underproducing STEM graduates for an average high-tech economy. 
    • Approximately 2,600 STEM students graduate each year for 4,600 high-tech job openings, estimated from Department of Workforce Solutions projections and Brookings Institute data on average high-tech job growth in the U.S.
  • The high-tech industry in New Mexico hires a lower percentage of STEM graduates from New Mexico institutions than expected, compared to the industry national average, and the state struggles to retain top out-of-state talent, as out-of-state STEM students who graduate from New Mexico institutions are half as likely to be employed in New Mexico. (Report #16-05, 2016)
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Eligibility

  • Must be a high school senior or first-year college student and a New Mexico resident.
  • Must plan to major in a STEM subject at a New Mexico institute of higher education or trades school. Applicants may also describe their proposed alternative pathway to a program that will result in licensure or accreditation within a STEM career field (for example, as a dental hygienist).
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on an unweighted 4.0 scale.
  • Arrange for a letter of recommendation to be submitted to Explora from a high school STEM teacher or STEM mentor who can speak to your academic achievements and potential for success in pursuing a STEM degree. 
  • Arrange for an official high school transcript to be submitted to Explora from your school counselor or registrar. 

Program Benefits

  • $2,500 scholarship
  • Access to academic support and mentorship in X Studio programs
  • Eligible to participate in the Explora STEM Scholars summer orientation program, with access to college readiness supports, mentorship opportunities, and more!

Explora extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the STEM Scholars program in 2025. With your generosity, we were able to award four scholarships to deserving students pursuing STEM education in New Mexico.

As we look ahead to 2026, we invite you to help us expand this powerful program and open even more doors for students across the state. Your donation to the STEM Scholars Fund fuels opportunity and a future driven by innovation.

Let’s be the spark that ignites the next generation of STEM leaders—and a stronger, brighter New Mexico for all.

Explora extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the STEM Scholars program in 2025. With your generosity, we were able to award four scholarships to deserving students pursuing STEM education in New Mexico.

As we look ahead to 2026, we invite you to help us expand this powerful program and open even more doors for students across the state. Your donation to the STEM Scholars Fund fuels opportunity and a future driven by innovation.

Let’s be the spark that ignites the next generation of STEM leaders—and a stronger, brighter New Mexico for all.

For more information about scholarships, donations, or joining Explora’s STEM Scholars Selection Committee, please email: STEMScholars@explora.us
Donate to Grow the Fund
For more information about scholarships, donations, or joining Explora’s STEM Scholars Selection Committee, please email: STEMScholars@explora.us
Donate to Grow the Fund
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Two female scholarship awardees are holding up their $2,500 scholarship awards and smiling
Four student awardees, one male and three female, hold their $2,500 scholarship awards up and smile for the camera