LANL Employee Shares Impact Of LAESF Scholarship

Alicia Salazar-Crockett. Photo by Julie Ruth

LAESF News:

Each May, employees of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) pledge contributions to help create the leaders of tomorrow through the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund (LAESF).

In 2008, Alicia Salazar-Crockett was the Platinum Award Winner, receiving $30,000 toward her education. A new LANL Community Connections Podcast features Salazar-Crockett relaying the impact the LAESF award has had on her life.

Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Community Programs Office Deputy Director Carole Rutten interviews Salazar-Crockett in the episode.

“Alicia is the perfect example of the scholarship fund,” Rutten said. “At 18 years of age, she received the top scholarship from LAESF for her undergraduate studies. She went on to receive her graduate degree in nuclear engineering. Now she is a full-time Laboratory employee.”

This year, 78 scholars will receive more than $400,000. Since 1999, more than $4.9 million has been awarded through 1,000 scholarships. Los Alamos National Security, LLC (LANS) matches each employee’s pledge – up to $250,000 annually – to LAESF, which is co-managed by the LANL Foundation and LANL Community Programs Office.

“I knew what kind of life I wanted, and college was a part of that. I also knew I would need some help financially,” Salazar-Crockett said. “I may not be able to repay the whole amount, but knowing that my contribution to the fund will help the next generation is an amazing feeling.”

This year’s theme for the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund campaign is “Together We Make an Impact”. Pledges will be accepted through June 19, 2015, and the Laboratory community will encourage participation with events throughout the campaign.

Access the entire podcast series here.

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