Education Excellence 2026
The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly celebrated the next generation of leaders on June 4, 2026, awarding approximately $162,000 in scholarships to 132 students from across New Mexico through its Excellence in Education Scholarship Program.
Now in its 39th year, the program has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships, helping students pursue higher education while investing in the future of New Mexico's workforce, businesses, and communities.
Education has long been at the heart of the Chamber's mission. Through the support of Chamber members, corporate partners, and community leaders, the Foundation continues to create opportunities for students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
"The backbone of America's economy is made up of small to mid-size businesses. Businesses of the future will be dreamed up by the students we help today," said Ernie C'deBaca, President and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. "We stand on the path left to us by our Chamber's founders, and that path was forged in education and supporting young leaders."
Scholarship funding is made possible through the Foundation's annual Golf Classic fundraiser, where proceeds directly support student scholarships. The Foundation's Education Committee, chaired by Michael Archibeque, reviewed more than 175 applications and selected this year's recipients based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and future aspirations.
The Excellence in Education Scholarship Program is strengthened each year through the generosity of sponsors who share the Chamber's commitment to student success. This year's event was sponsored by Larry A. Chavez, alongside dozens of scholarship sponsors representing businesses, organizations, and individuals from across New Mexico.
In addition to traditional scholarships, the Foundation honored the legacies of several distinguished Chamber leaders through memorial scholarships awarded in the names of Jennifer Riordan, Loretta Armenta, Ken Sanchez, Carlo Lucero, and Shelia Garcia. These scholarships recognize students who embody the values of leadership, service, and dedication to community that each of these individuals exemplified.
As the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber Foundation continues its mission of supporting educational advancement, the impact of this year's scholarship recipients will extend far beyond the classroom. These students represent the future innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who will help shape New Mexico for generations to come.
Relive the celebration and view photos from the 2026 Excellence in Education Scholarship Awards Ceremony in our online photo gallery.


