NEWS RELEASE
December 9, 2025
Study Abroad is on the 2026 Curriculum for Five New Mexico Simon Scholars
- Globe Runner Scholarship awardees will select from fully funded study programs in Europe, Africa, South America and the Middle East
SANTA FE, N.M. — Five high school Scholars from New Mexico Simon Scholars Program (NMSSP) have been awarded Globe Runner scholarships for study abroad during the summer of 2026. They are among 10 recipients this year of the Globe Runner Scholarship Fund, which enables high achieving students from underserved New Mexico communities to participate in international exchange programs. Students will choose from international programs run by global education non-profit AFS in Colombia, Kenya, Germany, Spain, Egypt and Panama. Funding by Globe Runner and AFS covers travel and program costs
“We’re grateful for our partnership with the Globe Runner Scholarship Fund and proud of our Scholars who were selected for this transformative opportunity,” said Bear Nash, Executive Director, New Mexico Simon Scholars Program. “Studying abroad gives students first-hand insights into the broader world. It provides a dimension of growth and learning for these students that is an exciting complement to the pre-college tutoring, guidance and coaching that we provide.”
New Mexico Simon Scholars selected for Globe Runner 2026 Scholarships are:
- Liliana Ponce Castillo – Santa Fe High School
- Ruby Morales Chacon – South Valley Academy
- Za’Nyah Frazier – Highland High School
- Fatima Garcia – Capital High School
- Jaqueline Gutierrez – Capital High School
Globe Runner Scholarship Fund is a component fund of the Albuquerque Community Foundation. It enables high achieving students from underrepresented communities to participate in an international exchange program run by AFS, one of the oldest and largest student exchange programs in the world. For more information, visit globerunnernm.org.
New Mexico Simon Scholars recently welcomed its 20th class of high school scholars at partner public schools in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, continuing its mission since 2005 of changing lives for students from underserved communities. A flagship program of The Simon Charitable Foundation based in Santa Fe, NMSSP is New Mexico’s only private education initiative that not only provides essential financial assistance for college but also supports students for up to seven years with academic tutoring, college guidance and life skills coaching.
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About New Mexico Simon Scholars Program
Celebrating our 20th anniversary in the 2025-26 school year, the New Mexico Simon Scholars Program (NMSSP) is a core program of The Simon Charitable Foundation that coaches and propels students from underserved communities in Albuquerque and Santa Fe to attain their dream of a college degree. Our program is the only one of its kind to provide not only essential funding assistance for college but also empowering support for students from junior year in high school through college graduation. Partner public high schools include Albuquerque High, Highland High, South Valley Academy, Santa Fe High and Capital High. Community education partners include Nusenda Credit Union, Santa Fe Community College, St. John’s College, College and Career Plaza and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Program collaborators that offer financial or experiential opportunities to Scholars include Davis New Mexico Scholarship, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Thornburg Investment Management and Globe Runner Scholarship Fund. To ensure continued growth, NMSSP values support from community organizations, educational institutions and prospective employers. For more information, visit us at nmsimonscholars.org.
Contact:
Hilary Spittle (on behalf of New Mexico Simon Scholars Program)
216.712.2005
hilaryspittle@outlook.com