A Student’s Story

Santa Fe Student Sets Sights on College and Career in Computer Science with Support from Simon Scholars Program

College has been on Raul Alvaredo’s radar since middle school – not surprising since he has a natural curiosity and is not afraid to challenge himself. The youngest of three children, he developed a love for problem-solving early on, inspired by his father who encouraged Raul to work alongside him in their home workshop – fixing, building and figuring things out. As a high school freshman, Raul was part of a team that advanced to the finals of the state’s Supercomputing Challenge.
Now a junior at Capital High School in Santa Fe, he has his sights set on a career in computer science or engineering. He knows those paths require a college education — and with the support of his parents and the New Mexico Simon Scholars Program (NMSSP), he’s ready to become the first in his family to attend college.

When Raul first learned about NMSSP last year, he was intrigued. But it was encouragement from his upperclassmen friends that moved him to take action. “They told me they saw potential in me and wanted me to apply,” he said. “These guys are my role models, so I decided to go for it!”

He was accepted into the program as a member of NMSSP’s 20^th class. His favorite part so far? The high ropes course during the summer retreat and lots of teamwork and collaboration with his fellow Scholars. He also appreciates the support he gets from program leaders and the connections he’s building with Scholars from other schools and cities.

At 16, Raul already draws personal strength from his life experience. “We were an immigrant family from Mexico, and my parents made many sacrifices to build a new life here,” he explained. “I was a baby when we moved and didn’t really know English until the third grade. That taught me that even when things are hard, they won’t always stay that way. I know I can get through challenges.”

Raul offers this advice to students considering applying for the New Mexico Simon Scholars Program:

Challenge yourself – take classes that are a notch above your current level and stretch your skills;
Be a representative of your school in the community;
Be yourself;
Don’t be afraid — be confident you have a shot because everyone has an equal opportunity.

Raul’s confidence and determination – along with NMSSP’s personalized teaching, workshops and mentoring – will position him well for his next big steps in 2027: graduating high school and becoming a first-generation college student.

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About New Mexico Simon Scholars Program

Celebrating our 20^th anniversary in the 2025-26 school year, the New Mexico Simon Scholars Program (NMSSP) is a core program of The Simon Charitable Foundation that coaches and propels students from underserved communities in Albuquerque and Santa Fe to attain their dream of a college degree. Our program is the only one of its kind to provide not only essential funding assistance for college but also empowering support for students from junior year in high school through college graduation. Partner public high schools include Albuquerque High, Highland High, South Valley Academy, Santa Fe High and Capital High. Community education partners include Nusenda Credit Union, Santa Fe Community College, St. John’s College, College and Career Plaza and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Program collaborators that offer financial or experiential opportunities to Scholars include Davis New Mexico Scholarship, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Thornburg Investment Management and Globe Runner Scholarship Fund. To ensure continued growth, NMSSP values support from community organizations, educational institutions and prospective employers. For more information, visit us at nmsimonscholars.org.

Contact:
Hilary Spittle (on behalf of New Mexico Simon Scholars Program)
216.712.2005
hilaryspittle@outlook.com