2025-2026 Scholarships for Unhoused / Low-Income High School Students in Las Cruces, NM.

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Purpose: The scholarship provides partial financial assistance to college-bound homeless high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to pursuing a degree or certificate. The purpose of the scholarship is to help graduating seniors apply and gain acceptance into New Mexico State University (NMSU) or Dona Ana Community College (DACC). Once enrolled, the hope is that students will qualify for additional financial aid, such as federal or institutional scholarships or other scholarships, enabling them to continue their education and achieve their academic goals. 

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Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the Support 4 Scholars scholarship students must meet the following criteria:

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*Must be a graduating high school senior who attends a high school in the Las Cruces Public School District.

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*Have a minimum of 2.0 grade point average or equivalent.

 

*Planning to enroll as a full-time student at NMSU or DACC and continue their education.

 

Considerations will be given to a student’s current housing situation, academic performance, and financial need. Students must submit a scholarship application provided by Catholic Charities before the deadline.

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Mentorship Support: Each scholarship recipient will be assigned a mentor, who will serve as their primary point of contact for guidance and support during their college journey through this program. Mentors will provide advice, answer questions, and offer encouragement to help students navigate their first year in college. This mentorship aspect emphasizes active engagement between students, their mentors, and Catholic Charities, ensuring a supportive and collaborative experience.

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Amount: Each scholarship amount is up to $5,000 per academic year, distributed at $2,500 per semester within the academic year. 

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Guidelines: Scholarships can be awarded for up to two academic years and distributed annually. Scholarship funds will be disbursed in two installments at the beginning of each academic semester ($2,500) directly to NMSU or DACC’s Financial Aid. Scholarship awards will cover the partial cost of a student’s tuition/fees, books, housing, and meal plan. To release the second part of their award recipients must contact and submit to their mentors, in January 2026, confirming their Spring enrollment at NMSU or DACC and a short statement on how the scholarship has impacted their academic journey and/or life.

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Important Communication Guidelines: To ensure a smooth process, students must check their email regularly for updates, including application approvals, denials, or requests for additional documentation. Please provide accurate and reliable contact information, including a valid phone number and email address. Please respond promptly to any requests. Failure to maintain regular communication or provide the requested forms may result in disqualification from the scholarship.

 

Deadline: The 2025-2026 application deadline is May 2, 2025. Applications may be submitted in person to Catholic Charities Las Cruces office or through mail. If mailed, Catholic Charities uses the postmarked date to determine eligibility. If the deadline is the date after, applications will not be accepted.

Renewal: This scholarship is only renewable for one more year. Students who withdraw from NMSU or DACC at any time are ineligible for a renewal and their award will not be released. 

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Apply by clicking link below. or by completing a hard copy application.

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You can also submit your hard copy in person at our office, mail it to us, or scan and email it to infocop@catholicharitiesdlc.org, with a copy to sm@catholiccharitiesdlc.org.

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Submit mailed applications to:

Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico

ATTN: Unhoused / Low-Income High School Student S4S Scholarship

125 West Mountain Avenue

Las Cruces, NM 88005

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