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 OPEN!

STEM Scholars in a nutshell:

New Mexico needs more young people prepared for STEM careers. Explora’s STEM Scholarship Program helps ensure that ALL students can access the learning experiences that spark curiosity and build opportunity.

  • Each scholarship is $2,500 and is awarded in a competitive process. 
  • Award selection is based on a completed application with short essay questions and a letter or recommendation.
  • STEM Scholars are trailblazers who have a strong career focus in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Want to share this opportunity?
Download the 2026 STEM Scholars Flyer (PDF)

Application Deadline:
March 20, 2026

APPLY NOW
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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)
Donate to Grow the Fund

Eligibility

  • Must be a current high school senior planning to attend a New Mexico postsecondary institution.
  • Must plan to major in a STEM subject at a New Mexico institute of higher education or a 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).
  • Arrange for a letter of recommendation to be submitted by a teacher or mentor through the Recommendation Form Link,  who can speak to your academic achievements and potential for success in pursuing a STEM degree.

  • Submit an Unofficial high school transcript to stemscholars@explora.us.

Scholarship Requirements

Access Application
  • Completed Application Form
  • 3 Brief Essay questions, in 250 words or less:
    -Describe a personal learning experience that has stuck with you, and why?
    -What excites you most about STEM, and why?
    -How will this scholarship help you achieve your future goals?
  • Unofficial high school transcript sent to stemscholars@explora.us.
  • A letter of recommendation submitted by a teacher or mentor through the Recommendation Form Link.

Completed application, transcripts, and recommendations are all due by March 20, 2026.

Deadlines

Completed student applications must be received by March 20, 2026.

Students, plan ahead and give your recommending teacher and school office ample time to prepare and complete additional documents.  Don't wait to ask until the last minute!

Scholarship Award Details

  • $2,500 scholarship
  • Recipients will be notified the week of April 20.
  • Recipients will be invited to be recognized at a ceremony taking place this summer (date TBD).
  • Funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s educational institution.

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.

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

Thank you for your support!

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 STEM Scholars Today!
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