why?

There is power in students having a real choice about their lives after high school.

By participating in ROCA NM, students will:

  • Explore their identity & own their rural experience throughout the college application process

  • Become eligible for the Davis NM Scholarship.

  • Gain experience on a college campus

  • Meet college admissions representatives

  • Gain confidence and clarity about financial aid

who?

We know that there is no one definition of a rural experience. However, we also know that there are experiences that students growing up outside of metropolitan areas have in common, despite the diversity of languages, backgrounds, experiences, and cultures that exist throughout New Mexico.

 

To be eligible to apply for ROCA, students should:

  1. Have an experience they would characterize as rural, farming/ranching, or as living in a small town. Generally, students in Santa Fe and Albuquerque are not eligible to apply.

  2. Be in the first generation in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Please see the FAQ Page on the Davis New Mexico Scholarship website to see if you meet our definition of a first-generation college-going student.

  3. Not be enrolled in another program affiliated with the Davis New Mexico Scholarship. You can find a list of Davis New Mexico Scholarship affiliates here.

  4. Be a rising high school senior with a GPA at or above 3.0, and be enrolled in honors classes, if any are offered at your high school.

What?

ROCA NM is a free overnight 4-day college search and application workshop. Participants receive continued support during their senior years as they navigate the college application and financial aid processes.

 

Students work with college access professionals and college representatives from around the country as they start their college applications. In addition to full-group activities, students receive individualized college counseling. Workshops include:

  • Financial Aid

  • College Essay

  • Rural Identity

  • College Search

  • Activities Section

  • Hiking!

where & When?

We believe in the power of experiencing life on campus as part of the college search and application process.

 

ROCA NM programming always takes place overnight on a real college campus in New Mexico.

2024 Summer Program Details:

  • Location TBA

  • July 24-27