Golden Apple Scholars Program in New Mexico is Accepting Applications for 2025

By Chase Barnes
Courtesy of Golden Apple

In its third year, our program continues to strengthen New Mexico’s teacher workforce with local talent

NEW MEXICO - The Golden Apple Scholars Program in New Mexico, a nonprofit dedicated to preparing, supporting, and mentoring aspiring educators, is pleased to announce that applications for 2025 are now open.

Aspiring teachers have until April 8, 2025, to apply.

The Golden Apple Scholars Program in New Mexico provides future educators with hands-on classroom experience, personalized mentorship, instruction from award-winning teachers, a financial stipend, and job placement support after graduation. By developing highly qualified teachers from local communities, the program prepares graduates to return to their home areas, helping to close the gap in New Mexico’s teacher shortage. According to a New Mexico State University report, the state faced 737 teacher vacancies in 2024.

“Our program is already transforming the education landscape in New Mexico,” said Alan Mather, President of The Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching. “We are committed to building on this momentum by training more passionate individuals who will make a lasting impact in classrooms across the state.”

Golden Apple Scholars are selected for their dedication to education and their commitment to serving students in high-need areas. Since its launch in 2022, the program has welcomed 120 scholars, representing 23 out of the 33 counties in New Mexico. The Golden Apple Scholars Program in New Mexico aims to have 100 teachers in New Mexico classrooms in the next four years.

“Golden Apple succeeds in New Mexico because it inspires teachers and students alike,” said Golden Apple Scholar Sahira Mendivil, a resident of Farmington. “They see it as more than a job—they're inspiring high schoolers and college students to pursue a meaningful career.”

The program offers teacher preparation and financial support for high school seniors and college freshmen and sophomores who are driven to teach. Scholars receive up to $15,000 in financial aid, extensive classroom experience, social-emotional support, job placement assistance, and mentoring from award-winning educators.

Applications and referrals can be submitted online at GoldenApple.org/Scholars-New-Mexico.

About Golden Apple
Golden Apple’s mission is to inspire, develop, and support teacher and school leader excellence, especially in schools-of-need. Our leading-edge preparation delivers exceptional teachers who make an impact. We help students thrive in the classroom and in life. Our vision is for every classroom to have a great teacher, and to realize this, we are committed to making a material difference in resolving the teacher shortage throughout New Mexico.