The Arc of New Mexico Higher Education Scholarship Program
What is the higher education scholarship?
Welcome to the Annual Arc of New Mexico Higher Education Scholarship Program! The purpose of this Scholarship is to provide a wonderful opportunity to assist recipients to achieve higher education training in Special Services or Occupational Training programs in New Mexico.
The goal of The Arc of New Mexico Higher Education Scholarship is to provide financial support for students with disabilities who seek to maximize their education and career opportunities. The scholarship program application period is open until April 1st each year. The Arc of NM’s Scholarship Committee and Board of Directors are responsible for selecting scholarship recipients from all eligible applicants on an objective and non-discriminatory basis, without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, or disability.
Download the full instructions below.
My experience at school is going very well, I’m very much enjoying it because I’m learning so much… Meeting a lot of new people… I’m also learning a lot about life skills. I’m really enjoying College!
SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY*
The Arc of NM Scholarship Committee and Board of Directors shall select Arc of NM Higher Education Scholarship recipient(s) who, in the view of the Scholarship Committee and Board of Directors, are the most deserving of scholarship awards based upon the objective criteria described below.
Eligibility: Each Arc of NM Higher Education Scholarship recipient must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a New Mexico Resident;
- Verification of acceptance into a Special Services or Occupational Training program in New Mexico; and
- Financial need.
Meet The 2023 Scholarship Recipient
Alecia Lucoski
2023-2024
My name is Alecia Lucoski. I have a moderate intellectual developmental disability, autism, and cerebral palsy. I worked part time as a Sanitation Specialist (diswasher) for the past eight years at the Shifting Sands Dining Facility at Holloman Airforce Base under Ability One, the federal program for individuals with developmental disabilities. I had a job coach who supported and assisted me in staying on task with positive social skills. The Shifting Sands Dining Facility has been closed recently for a major renovation and is expected to reopen in 2026, so I lost my job.
I want to continue my advanced training and career in food service operations like meal service and food preparation and work in restaurants, school and hosptial cafeterias, catering, or other formats…I enjoy cooking and preparing international cuisines and recipes like Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes…I still need to learn the proper kitchen sanitation, knife, and food safety and prepare to take the ServSafe National Restaurant Association Test.
I want to begin my formal study and obtain a Certification in Occupational Training in food Service from Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Special Services program in the Fall of 2023 to prepare for competitive employment and behaviors needed to live independentaly, problem-solving, have healthy lifestyles, and obtain and retain employment.
Ezra Shelhav, 2020-2022
… I have had a great experience at ENMU Roswell. Because the Special Services program has small classes, I have been able to attend in person learning all year. The only exception being our practicum which we began this last January. This experience has been very good. I have been meeting new people, learning a lot of many new things and enjoy spending time with others.
Devin Fickler, 2021
My name is Devin Fickler, I’m 18 years old and I’m graduating high school this spring in May. After high school, I want to go to college and become a childcare worker. My dream goals are to earn A’s in college, get a degree in childcare, and live with my mom when I grow older. I have a job working with kids right now and it makes me want to become a good role model.
The Arc of New Mexico promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
