Carl F. Scott Scholarship Fund

Rae Lee Siporin is a first-generation college graduate in her family. Her experiences as a woman whose scholastic goals were devalued have helped fuel her passion for education. She firmly believes that women need extra support to pursue their educational goals and to that end has started several funds to support women through various organizations, including Albuquerque Community Foundation. She started her fund with the Foundation to help support women in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico.

Rae vividly recalls her ninth-grade homeroom teacher, the school coach, kindly letting her know that boys don?t like girls who are good in math and science. This teacher was indicating that perhaps she should not let on that she had strong skills in these areas. Later, an aunt told her she could now get a job and help her family once she got her bachelor's degree, despite her desire to continue her education. These experiences only further motivated Rae Lee to support women in their educational goals, and she is proud to help remove barriers for so many in her community.

The Rae Lee Siporin Scholarship for Women will make awards to those women who are continuing or returning to college/university for their first undergraduate degree and need financial assistance for their senior year of school.

Applicant must be a female New Mexico resident who:

A) has completed her freshman, sophomore and junior years of college

B) will attend a New Mexico college or university for a minimum of one semester during the 2015-16 school year

C) will be a full time student taking a minimum of 12 hours each semester UNLESS fewer hours are needed to graduate

D) demonstrates financial need