College Program
Supporting Scholars in their Dream
Once in college, the Simon Scholars Program remains a steady source of support for Scholars. With scholarships, regular check-ins, and a network of mentors and peers ready to listen and help, every student has the support of a community that understands the challenges of being a first-generation student.
NM Simon Scholars attend colleges and universities across the country, each chosen carefully according to its academic fit, campus culture, and affordability. The Program continues to assist college Scholars for up to five years, and continues to offer encouragement, problem-solving help, and connection with other Scholars along the way.
Several partner universities also provide special programming – just for New Mexico Simon Scholars – ensuring they have the tools and connections to succeed in higher education and in life.
Objectives:
To improve college persistence and completion rates by providing personal and financial support, connecting students to resources on their college campuses, and creating opportunities for college scholars and alumni to engage with each other as well as with the high school program.
College Program Components:
- Up to $16,000 in need-based scholarship funding
- Check-ins each semester to monitor academic progress as well as personal and financial well-being
- Individual support and guidance in addressing obstacles that may interfere with college completion
- Ongoing engagement in order to maintain a connection with the program and to capitalize on their first-hand experiences as college students
- Biannual newsletter highlighting college scholar and alumni achievements
Expectations:
- Remain enrolled full-time at a 4-year, not-for-profit institution in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree
- Earn at least a 2.5 GPA each semester
- Complete a Bachelor’s Degree within 5 years
- Graduate with a manageable amount of student loan debt
- Remain engaged and in regular communication with program staff throughout college
Opportunities:
The NM Simon Scholars Program has a long-standing tradition of engaging its College Scholars and Alumni with its high school program. Scholars and Alumni have worked as tutors and retreat staff, assisted with workshops, contributed to the newsletter, hosted scholars during campus visits, served on the Scholar Selection Committee, assisted with planning group gatherings, and have given back to the program in any way they can.
This tradition of service and strong sense of community differentiates Simon Scholars from other programs. The Simon Scholars vision is that, over time, the program will become largely driven and operated by scholars and alumni who can contribute even more fully to the Program’s success.
Join the Simon Scholars Community
Every dream needs support. Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or friend, you can be part of our mission to open doors through education. Contact us to see what opportunities are available or to tell us how you would like to contribute to our community!
