First-year undergraduate students (freshmen) are invited to apply for NMSU's STEM Fellows Program, a pilot program aimed at introducing students to research experiences, career-readiness initiatives, and industry in New Mexico.

About the Program

The STEM Fellows Program is managed by NMSU's College of Engineering as part of an NSF-funded program, titled "Research Infrastructure Optimization for New Mexico" (RIO-NM). This larger program seeks to strengthen New Mexico's research ecosystem where student development and preparedness for internships and graduate school are critical.

A unique aspect of this program is its engagement with Career Technical Education (CTE). Student applicants must demonstrate experience in a STEM-based, high school CTE program or Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO), such as TSA, HOSA, DECA, BPA, SkillsUSA, and FFA.

Why It Matters

This exciting opportunity for first-year undergraduate students integrates academic support, career mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and a monetary stipend, creating clear educational pathways and support from high school and CTE programs into graduate research programs and STEM careers. By combining research experience with career-focused training and industry exposure, the program aims to enhance student success and prepare participants for New Mexico's evolving STEM workforce.

Eligibility

Graduate of a New Mexico high school
Ability to demonstrate prior engagement in a STEM-based Career Technical Education (CTE) program at the high school level
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Enrolled as a full-time student (12 credits or more) at NMSU for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters with a declared major in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, or one of the agricultural sciences
Enrolled as a first-year undergraduate student (a first-time freshman); dual-credit students are not eligible.
Must be curious about graduate school and have interest in enrolling in a STEM-related graduate program upon completion of a bachelor's degree
Students from Rural* and Remote* communities in New Mexico will receive priority consideration. Look up your high school "Locale" here.

Expectations

Professional Communication. Students will respond to requests from program coordinators, faculty participants, and industry mentors in a timely fashion.
Active Participation. Students will commit to attend six professional development workshops (three per semester) and complete related assignments; regular career advisement meetings with program staff; one industry site visit during the academic year (2025-2026); tours of NMSU research facilities, and program socials.
Research Experience. Each student will participate in a research experience with an NMSU faculty member during the 2025-2026 academic year. Research will produce a poster for presentation. Estimate: 10 hours/week.

Benefits

Exposure to the fundamentals of research
Resume and interviewing skills development
Understanding of graduate school application process
One-on-one career advising
Knowledge of career pathways
Small group networking with New Mexico employers
$1,000 stipend for 2025-2026 academic year
Opportunity to apply for one of six summer 2026 internships (June-July 2026); each worth $12,000

Online Information Session

Wed., Aug. 6, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Use this link to register and obtain the Zoom link: https://nmsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/k-iTDNFbSUStvPqYEpBBFg

Application Process

  • 1

    Submit your application.

  • 2

    To receive first consideration, apply by: July 30, 2025, 5 p.m. MST

  • 3

    Additional applications accepted through August 15, 2025, 5 p.m. MST

  • 4

    Only 15 students will be accepted to the program.

Questions

Contact: Ms. Amanda Madrid, Program Manager, Career Development, NMSU College of Engineering

Phone: 575-646-2510

Email: amandadg@nmsu.edu