Conservation Science Center at New Mexico Highlands University
Conservation Science Center at New Mexico Highlands University
The mission of the Conservation Science Center at Highlands University is to build the capacity of Hispanic and Native students to actively lead the stewardship of local landscapes. New Mexico's stewardship of natural resources often does not represent the cultural and intrinsic values of local communities. Yet these same communities are disproportionately affected by climate change degradation.
The place-based programs of NMHU combine cultural relevancy, leadership, and socio-emotional development to increase persistence in STEM while building resilience in our youth as they navigate enriching and challenging interactions in the diversification of of the STEM workforce.
Last year, the Santa Fe Community Foundation awarded a grant to the Conservation Science Center at Highlands University to support equitable and accessible pathways to STEM for Native and hispanic youth.
"Initially, we focused on increasing engagement in immersive science programming, such as ChemXchange, where NMHU undergraduates led lab experiments and practiced near-peer mentoring with Mesa Vista high schoolers," said Shantini Ramakrishnan , Conservation & Restoration Education Program Manager at the Conservation Science Center. "Then, the largest fire in New Mexico history happened."
The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire redefined our landscape and our focus as we considered our displaced population and the multitude of challenges ahead. We quickly pivoted and used SFCF funds to support “Querencia in Action” workshops designed to build community capacity in post-fire land restoration. The flexibility of Santa Fe Community Foundation funds allowed us to respond quickly to meet an urgent community need.
First Serve New Mexico
First Serve New Mexico’s after school program and summer camp foster incredible growth in students, both academically and personally. Our combination of tutoring, life skills coaching, and tennis instruction creates a supportive environment where students thrive over time.
Communities In Schools of New Mexico
Communities In Schools of New Mexico is dedicated to surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. By placing site coordinators directly on school campuses, CISNM provides critical services to students facing significant barriers to academic success and empowers them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Santa Fe Alliance For Science
The Santa Fe Alliance for Science (SFAFS) is an all-volunteer organization that has served the students of Santa Fe for over seventeen years. Its mission is to “Bring out the Inner Scientist in Every Student".
