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.
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. Other eligibility requirements follow below.
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. Priority consideration is given to: Rural, Remote; Rural Fringe; Rural Distant; Town, Remote; Town Distant.
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. Experiences will be assigned by program staff and faculty. 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
Information Sessions:
- Dates coming soon.
- Sessions to be held via Zoom.·
Application Process:
- Submit your application.
- To receive first consideration, apply by: July 30, 2025, 5 p.m. MST
- Additional applications accepted through August 15, 2025, 5 p.m. MST
- 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
