NM Higher Education Department (NMHED): A Graduate Scholarship for Underrepresented Students
The NMHED Scholarship is currently undergoing legislative review. The current award--its administration, eligibility, amount, terms, and conditions--may change significantly after July 2023.
What is it?
The Graduate Scholarship was created by the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education (since renamed NMHED) to increase graduate enrollment of underrepresented groups at public post-secondary institutions. UNM further sees this as an opportunity to encourage departmental support of students from underrepresented groups toward graduate degree completion.
How much is the award?
The maximum award amount is $7,200 per year. This award may be renewed annually based on academic standing and fulfillment of requirements. Recipient must receive a minimum of 10-hour-per-week paid assistantship or internship and serve 10 hours per week in an unpaid assistantship or internship.
Who is eligible?
These scholarships are intended for full-time students from traditionally underrepresented groups who also demonstrate financial need. Students must be incoming to their graduate program.
Please review the New Mexico Administrative Code for complete eligibility information here.
Eligibility Requirements and Responsibilities
While students may apply directly, priority will be given to applicants whose home departments demonstrate commitment to sustained student support for academic success.
Department Requirements and Responsibilities
- Statement of how the applicant contributes to or enhances the diversity of the department or field of study;
- Recurring paid assistantship of at least .25 FTE for the duration of the award;
- Designation of a specific faculty advisor who will advise or mentor the recipient (indicate name of faculty advisor);
- Public-facing recognition of the recipient (i.e. blog announcement; reception; newsletter press; etc).
- Renewal contingent on annual report from the department. Click here for the annual report template.
Student Requirements and Responsibilities
- Complete a FASFA
- Arrange for two letters of recommendation to be submitted, one of which must be from the chair or graduate program director of the program in which the applicant is accepted and must address and detail the department’s commitment of support (as outlined above).
- Confirm or supply supporting documentation of at least 10 hours per week paid internship or assistantship and the nature of the additional 10-hour unpaid assignment.
- Participate annually in professionalization workshops offered by PAW, PNMGC, the Graduate Resource Center, the Graduate Teaching Academy, or the Shared Knowledge Conference.
- Renewal contingent on successful academic progress and submission of annual report. Click here for the annual report template.
How do I apply?
Click here for the application form.
Nominating departments or students must complete and submit the application form and all the documents required on the application form. The application deadline is March 1st. Please send completed applications to Margaret Gonzales (margo@unm.edu).
