High School Program
Preparing New Mexico Students for College and Beyond
The New Mexico Simon Scholars High School Program is a college preparatory program designed for motivated, under-resourced students in Santa Fe and Albuquerque public schools. For a student with big goals – or someone giving a student support and encouragement – this is where the journey begins.
The program combines academic support, mentoring, and real-world guidance to help students succeed in high school, and then confidently take the next step into college. Through tutoring and workshops, retreats and one-on-one support, Scholars build the skills, habits, and confidence they need to perform at their best.
The aim of the high school program is to build a community of diverse individuals and provide personal, academic, and social-emotional support as scholars complete high school and prepare for college. The high school program begins the summer before the student’s junior year and continues through the completion of high school and the transition to college. Students who meet the eligibility criteria may apply during the spring of their sophomore year.
During junior and senior year of high school the Program provides students with extensive guidance and support, including weekly academic tutoring specific to each student’s needs, SAT test preparation, help with college essays, guidance on college applications, FAFSA support, and assistance with applications to providers of scholarships.
The Program also supplies students with a laptop computer which is a critical tool to enable their academic success. In addition to academic support and guidance, the program engages students in team-building and exploratory events to stimulate personal reflection, and assist in deepening self-knowledge and clarifying their strengths and interests. As students crystallize their goals, they are better able to identify colleges and universities where they will thrive in their pursuit of an education – one that is deeply meaningful for them and advantageous for their future.
High School Program Components
- Weekly Academic Tutoring and Mentoring
- Summer Retreat
- Team-Building Activities
- Life Skills Development
- Career Exploration Opportunities
- SAT Test Preparation
- College Guidance Workshops
- College Visits
- Group and Individual College Transition Support
More Than Academics
Being ready for college means more than strong grades. It means understanding how the system works, and how to navigate it.
That’s why the Program guides students through every step of the college process. From writing essays and completing applications to understanding financial aid and visiting campuses, the classes, workshops, tutoring and other support make the path to college clear and manageable.
For many students – 86% of whom are first-generation college students – this support makes all the difference. When there’s no roadmap from those who went to college before you, the Simon Scholars Program helps provide one.
A Community That Supports You
One of the most powerful parts of the program is the community. Scholars build strong relationships with their fellow Simon Scholars who share similar goals and experiences.
Through group workshops, retreats, and shared challenges, students develop a sense of belonging and support that continues long after high school. This network becomes a source of encouragement, individual and collective accountability, and lifelong connection.
Bridging the Gap in New Mexico Education
New Mexico continues to face significant challenges in education and poverty, often ranking near the bottom nationally. Many families don’t have access to additional academic resources or private education.
The New Mexico Simon Scholars Program helps bridge that gap. It provides the tools, guidance, and opportunities students need to graduate high school prepared – academically, personally and financially – for college success.
Program Impact
Years of results show what’s possible when students have the right support:
- Simon Scholars have a 98% high school graduation rate
- 99% of Scholars enroll in college
- Simon Scholars receive 10 average hours of SAT preparation per student
- 50+ average tutoring hours per high school Scholar
Doing Your Part as a Simon Scholar
The NM Simon Scholars Program holds scholars to high expectations and works with each student to develop the habits and skills needed to meet these requirements. Specifically, scholars are expected to:
- Actively participate in all program activities
- Work to develop key academic skills and earn at least a 3.0 GPA each semester
- Demonstrate and work to develop critical life skills
- Demonstrate exemplary character and behavior at school and in the community
- Graduate high school on time and in good academic standing
- Apply for federal financial aid, institutional aid, and additional outside scholarships
- Research and apply to an appropriate range of schools to ensure a good match
- Enroll in a four-year, not-for-profit institution immediately upon graduation from high school
Your Future Starts Here
If you’re curious, determined, and ready to build something better for yourself and your family, we’d love to meet you. You don’t have to do this alone – we’ll take the journey together. Learn How to Apply ›
