ConocoPhillips is expanding its commitment to workforce development in New Mexico’s energy regulation sector with a $260,000 investment in New Mexico Tech’s Fueling Tomorrow’s Pipeline Scholarship program.

Launched in 2022 with an initial gift of $60,000, the scholarship is a unique partnership between New Mexico Tech (NMT), the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (OCD), and private industry, designed to build a dedicated pipeline of skilled talent for the Division.

The program provides top NMT students with hands-on regulatory experience through year-long, paid internships with the OCD, offering a direct pathway into public service roles critical to the state’s energy oversight. By aligning educational support with real-world training, the program plays a vital role in preparing students to meet the specific workforce needs of New Mexico’s regulatory sector.

“We are proud to play a part in building a sustainable talent pipeline that strengthens the state’s regulatory and compliance framework within the energy sector,” said Aaron Hunter, Vice President, Delaware Basin for ConocoPhillips. “The Fueling Tomorrow’s Pipeline Scholarship program reflects our continued commitment to empowering students in New Mexico with the tools and experiences necessary to excel in careers within the state.”

Following the program’s success, ExxonMobil joined the initiative with a $40,000 contribution, allowing more students to benefit from this opportunity.

“We are grateful for the work New Mexico Tech and the Oil Conservation Division do to train future energy leaders and drive economic growth,” said Jesse Chando, New Mexico Operations Manager for ExxonMobil. “We look forward to supporting these future regulatory professionals to ensure the safe and responsible development of New Mexico’s energy resources.”   

Since its launch, the Fueling Tomorrow’s Pipeline program has supported 10 students, giving them the opportunity to apply their academic training within a state agency setting. These internships have deepened participants’ understanding of the regulatory frameworks governing New Mexico’s oil and gas industry and provided a strong foundation for careers in public service.

“This experience allowed me to develop technical, analytical, and professional skills while contributing meaningful results to the Division’s ongoing initiatives”, says Lukas Chavez, a recipient of the 2024-2025 Fueling Tomorrow’s Pipeline Scholarship and Mechanical Engineering student at NMT.

The impact of the program is also evident from the Division’s perspective.

“The OCD is grateful for this partnership,” said John Garcia, Projects Group Supervisor for the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division and NMT Alumus. “These internships are important to students’ academic success and provide a head start to their future careers. The NMT students have proven to be high-quality candidates, demonstrating exceptional resume writing and job interview skills as well as initiative and a strong work ethic.”