Finding scholarships in New Mexico for college students

I'm a high school junior in New Mexico and looking for scholarships to help pay for college in-state. What resources or specific scholarships should I be checking out? Any suggestions for where to start?

Great initiative on starting the scholarship search early! For New Mexico residents, there are several resources and programs you should definitely look into:

1. The New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship: This scholarship is for New Mexico residents who graduate from a New Mexico high school and attend a public or tribal post-secondary institute in the state. It initially covers tuition for one semester, but can be renewed if you maintain certain academic standards.

2. The New Mexico Scholars Program: This scholarship is available for students who have graduated in the top 5% of their high school class or achieved a certain score on the ACT or SAT. It covers the cost of tuition at participating public or tribal colleges in New Mexico.

3. New Mexico State Financial Aid: The state of New Mexico has several need and merit-based aid programs that you could be eligible for.

4. School-specific scholarships: Check with each in-state college you're interested in to explore their scholarships. For example, University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University both offer scholarships for incoming students based on academic performance.

5. Local community resources: Some local businesses, organizations, and community groups offer scholarships for local students. You can often find information on these in your school's guidance office, or by searching online for your city or county plus "scholarship."

Remember, when applying for scholarships, be mindful of deadlines and make sure you meet all the requirements. Write essays that show a clear understanding of the scholarship’s purpose and criteria, highlighting personal achievements that align with these.

Best of luck with your scholarship search!