The Rural Student Project

THE PROGRAM

The Rural Student Project aims to empower students from rural New Mexico communities. As an RSP scholar, you'll engage in meaningful service experiences and forge strong networks. Collaborate with fellow scholars on volunteer initiatives that make a lasting impact, from partnering with organizations like the Roadrunner Foodbank and Animal Humane to organizing local clean-up drives and tailored service activities. This scholarship supports your academic journey while fostering a sense of belonging within Albuquerque and the UNM community.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

The Rural Student Project is seeking students who come from towns with populations fewer than 50,000 or from subdivision communities with no more than 2,500 residents.

This scholarship opportunity is open to UNM students regardless of their immigration status.

To be eligible for the Rural Student Project, you must:

  1. Be admitted and maintain full-time (minimum 12 credit hours) enrollment at the University of New Mexico for the participating academic year.
  2. Be an undergraduate student beyond the freshman year.
  3. Have completed the FAFSA or State Aid application and demonstrate financial need.
  4. Qualify under one of the following conditions:
    1. Graduated from a high school located in a rural community.
    2. Resided in a rural community in New Mexico within the past year.

PARTICIPANT BENEFITS

  • Supplemental Financial Assistance: Receive $1000 per semester to support your academic pursuits and alleviate financial burdens.
  • Community Engagement Experience: Gain hands-on experience through diverse volunteer opportunities, fostering leadership and civic responsibility.
  • Resume Building: Enhance your resume with valuable service and leadership experiences that showcase your commitment to community and personal growth.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Scholars commit to participating in the program for at least one academic year, in addition to fulfilling the following requirements:

  • Engage in 40 hours of community service each semester.
  • Attend one El Centro de la Raza or UNM event per semester.
  • Maintain full-time status at UNM (12 credit hours minimum).
  • Engage in group project which may require team meetings, time spent on project to be determined by group
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
  • Participate in two check-ins per semester with the program coordinator.
  • Attend a Fall & Spring orientation session.
  • Attend two team bonding sessions each semester.
  • Actively partake in mandatory volunteering events organized by the program.

These activities help ensure scholars stay connected, supported, and engaged throughout their participation in the program, fostering a strong sense of community and service; and strengthen students' retention at UNM.

Commitments and Scheduled meetings

Fall 2026:

  • Orientation on Saturday, September 19th
  • 2 check-ins with Program Coordinator
  • Actively engage in 2 El Centro events
  • 2 Team Bonding events
  • Complete 20 hours of community service
  • Engage in group project which may require team meetings, time spent on project to be determined by group
  • Final group project presentation

Spring 2027:

  • Spring overview orientation TBD
  • 2 check-ins with Program Coordinator
  • Actively engage in 2 El Centro events
  • 2 Team Bonding events
  • Complete 40 hours of community service
  • Final individual presentations and assessments