New Mexico Simon Scholars Program Welcomes 20th Class of Students
The New Mexico Simon Scholars Program has officially welcomed its 20th class of students from public high schools in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. This initiative, a flagship project of The Simon Charitable Foundation, aims to support academically motivated sophomores through their journey to college.
The program collaborates with five local high schools: Albuquerque High, Highland High, South Valley Academy, Santa Fe High, and Capital High. This year’s cohort features talented individuals, including:
– **Capital High School**: Yoseline Anchondo, Yarisdi Ayala, Raul Alvarado, Fatima Garcia, Tairi Mejia, Jaqueline Gutierrez, Geraldine Espinoza, Lesly Cruz
– **Albuquerque High School**: Fanny Gonzalez
– **Santa Fe High School**: Carmela Enriquez, Hazel Macejka, Liliana Ponce Castillo
– **South Valley Academy**: Ashley Acosta, Carlos Granados, Brandon Acosta, Ruby Morales Chacon, Jayline Acosta
– **Highland High School**: Fernanda Vargas Perez, Cassidy Welsh, Natalia Alvarado, Zanyah Frazier
The program provides essential resources, including stipends, laptops, mentoring, workshops, retreats, and comprehensive college readiness support. Since its inception in **2005**, over **400 students** have benefited from the initiative, which offers up to seven years of tutoring, mentoring, life skills workshops, and college scholarships of up to **$16,000**.
The success rates of the New Mexico Simon Scholars are notable, with a **98%** high school graduation rate and a **73%** college graduation rate, both exceeding state and national averages. This achievement underscores the program’s commitment to fostering educational success among its participants.
In addition to the Simon Scholars Program, two students from New Mexico have received prestigious recognition. **Dina Advani Mahmood** of Santa Fe and **Madeline Gates** of Albuquerque have been elected to membership in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at **New Mexico State University**. This honor society is recognized as the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society, encompassing various academic disciplines. Membership is by invitation only, limited to the top **10%** of seniors and graduate students and the top **7.5%** of juniors.
Through initiatives like the Simon Scholars Program and the achievements of students like Advani Mahmood and Gates, New Mexico continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to educational excellence and student support.
