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.
Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity
Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity looks forward to tackling its goal of building eight houses in 2023. The organization's award-winning homes have provided safe, stable, and affordable housing for 133 local families since 1987.
Las Cumbres Community Services
Las Cumbres Community Services, Inc. began in 1970 with a structured program of day habilitation services for developmentally disabled adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities (IDD) in Los Alamos. We added a therapeutic preschool – Conjunto - in the Española Valley in 1979. Since then, it has expanded its services for children, adults, and families in order to meet our state’s changing needs, with more than twenty programs in place today.
Santa Fe Recovery Center
The Santa Fe Recovery Center filled the gap in available substance use disorder treatments tailored to women with children by establishing the Women and Children’s Residential Treatment Program in Santa Fe.