Student Programs

Building the Future Defense Workforce

For more than 75 years, NMSU’s Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) has been a vital pipeline for the nation’s defense workforce. Countless students and co-ops have contributed to critical applied research while gaining real-world experience that supports the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and the defense industrial base. PSL's comprehensive programs benefit the entire defense workforce, from students and educators to faculty, and employers.

Inspiring the Next Generation: K–12 & Early STEM Engagement

PSL is building a pipeline of future innovators by providing hands-on STEM learning for students and professional development for teachers.

  • Reach: Our programs train over 200 students and teachers each year.
  • Community Focus: We partner with 3 Southern New Mexico public school districts and 1 tribal school.
Explore STEM Mavericks
STEM Mavs Student Working

College Pathways to National Security Careers

PSL prepares college students for rewarding defense careers through a unique combination of applied learning, research, and professional development.

  • Impact: The Classified Ready Employee Workforce (CREW) program has prepared over 121 students for careers in the national security sector.
Explore CREW
2025 CREW Cohort

Building Skilled Defense Professionals

PSL strengthens the defense workforce by providing targeted training and development for professionals current serving the nation, ensuring they have the skills needed for a rapidly evolving mission.

  • Defense Leadership Certificate Program: This program has trained more than 360 individuals to become more effective and adaptable professionals.

Explore DLC
Group Photo for AI Course

Modernizing Defense Learning Facilities

PSL is building advanced learning environments to provide hands-on experience in key defense sectors.

  • Cyber Learning Lab: Focused on cybersecurity and network defense training.
  • AI Learning Lab: Dedicated to artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.

PSL Scholarships

PSL is the steward of 6 scholarship funds and has the opportunity each academic year to award scholarships to eligible students. 
  • Jed & Martha Durrenberger Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund
  • Phillip & Edna Manz PSL Endowed Scholarship
  • Physical Science Laboratory Employees Endowed Scholarship
  • SGI Co-op Student Endowment Scholarship Fund
  • Skaggs PSL Experiential Learning Endowed Scholarship
  • Lois I. and Leonard R. Sugerman PSL Scholarship Fund

Thanks to our generous donors, in 2020, the PSL scholarship selection committee awarded 16 scholarships totaling $8,000! Students were awarded from $250 to $750. APPLY NOW!  Scholar Dollar$ application is live and the priority deadline for the 2025/26 Academic Year is March 1st.

 

Tips from the PSL Scholarship Coordinator & Selection Committee

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Tip #1

Fill out ALL questions thoughtfully—especially the personal statement! This is an opportunity to share your story and why a scholarship would help you meet your personal and professional goals. Make it count!