Golden Apple Scholars of New Mexico

Scholarship Sponsored by Golden Apple

Overview
The Golden Apple Scholars of New Mexico Program identifies and prepares committed future teachers — high school seniors and college freshmen and sophomores from New Mexico — who want to make a difference in the state’s classrooms. We focus on practical preparation so Scholars can step into challenging schools ready to teach, lead, and stay.

Why join
If you want real classroom experience, consistent mentorship, and support as you work toward certification, this program is built for you. Scholars leave ready for immediate success and a sustainable career in New Mexico schools.

What Scholars receive
- A strong peer network of future New Mexico teachers.
- Paid summer professional development each summer during your undergraduate years.
- Hands-on instruction and mentoring from award-winning teachers and faculty.
- Opportunities to teach, lead, and serve in your own community.
- Academic and social-emotional supports to help you persist in college and teacher preparation.
- Job placement assistance and ongoing mentoring as you begin your career.

How to apply (step-by-step)
1. Complete the online application and personal statements. You may also submit optional references.
2. Upload unofficial or official transcripts.
3. Standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) are optional for most applicants; leave them out if you prefer. If you do not submit scores, the review committee will place greater weight on your course selection, GPA and grade trends, personal statements, and extracurricular involvement. Homeschooled applicants must submit test scores for review.
4. Participate in a short interview if invited.

Who is eligible
Entry points
- New Mexico high school seniors (Class of 2023 and later cohorts as applicable).
- Freshmen and sophomores enrolled at partner four-year universities in New Mexico.
- Community college students in New Mexico who plan to transfer to a four-year institution.

General eligibility
- U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen, or DACAmented student who is a resident of New Mexico.
- Enrollment status consistent with the entry points above (New Mexico high school senior, partner university freshman/sophomore, or New Mexico community college student).

Academic review
Every application receives a holistic review: we consider your entire record — transcripts, course rigor, essays, involvement, and recommendations. No single factor alone determines admission.

Completion requirements (what you must do to fulfill the program)
- Maintain and meet all program participation requirements.
- Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA while in the program.
- Attend Scholar Institutes and complete required summer professional development.
- Adhere to the program’s code of conduct.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from a New Mexico partner university.
- Obtain New Mexico teaching certification.
- Commit to teaching in a partner school for five years within seven years of graduation.

Eligible colleges and universities
Only colleges and universities in New Mexico that offer teacher education programs and participate as Golden Apple partner institutions are eligible for the scholarship. Check the program’s partner list to confirm whether your school is included.

If you want, I can help you:
- Decide whether to submit test scores.
- Draft your personal statement.
- Review your transcript and course plan to strengthen your application.