Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Fund Grant

The Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Fund, managed by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, provides financial aid to New Mexico residents enrolled in higher education. Eligible students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 and demonstrate financial need. Scholarships vary based on educational costs and are renewable for up to four years, supporting both undergraduate and certificate programs. This initiative aims to enhance educational access and career readiness in the local community.

Education philanthropy at the Foundation
The Santa Fe Community Foundation is committed to supporting local students with their learning and career readiness. Our educational opportunities focus on direct support to Santa Fe Public School classrooms and teachers as well as scholarship funds for students on their pathway to college.
The Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Fund was established to provide financial assistance to full time students, who are legal New Mexico residents or green-card holders attending a college or university in New Mexico and who have a minimum GPA of 3.5, to begin or continue their education in an undergraduate program. The aid is made in the form of grant dollars sent directly to the students’ colleges or universities.
Scholarship Amount
Scholarship award amounts are determined according to education costs, financial aid award, applicant contribution (work study, student loans, etc.) and applicant’s Estimated Family Contribution.
Scholarship recipients may delay enrollment for up to one year, but scholarships remaining unclaimed after one year shall be returned to the fund.
Grants are renewable annually for up to 4 years/8 semesters of study, but a new application must be submitted each year for students to be reconsidered. Award amounts may vary from year to year.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Fund applicants must meet all of the following: Legal New Mexico residents or green-card holders attending a college or university in New MexicoApplicants must demonstrate a ‘gap’ of financial need: the comprehensive costs of the college or university they will attend less the total of their student aid index (SAI), plus the financial aid and scholarships received from the college and university and any other scholarships received from other sources. Be current residents of Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Taos, San Miguel, Los Alamos or Mora CountyBe enrolled full time at a 4-year educational institution for the 2025/26 school year or;Be enrolled at a 2-year educational institution for the 2025/26 school year, with the intention of transferring to a 4-year institution or; Be enrolled in a certificate or licensure program at an accredited institutionIf applying as a high school senior: must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above and have a carried a full course load, defined as five courses, during their senior year. Only core academic courses will be considered in verifying GPA and course load requirements. If applying as an undergraduate (or enrolled in a certificate program): must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and be a full-time student. Only core academic courses will be considered in verifying GPA and full-time status.