Santa Fe Alliance For Science
Uplifting youth through inclusive science programming
The Santa Fe Alliance for Science (SFAFS) is an all-volunteer organization that has served the students of Santa Fe for over 17 years. Its mission is to “Bring out the inner scientist in every student.” This has involved being both a key part of the Santa Fe School District’s ability to have science fairs for students as well as meeting many STEM related support needs in individual schools.
Although our grant award came late in the fair cycle for 2024, we were thrilled that we were able to award several grants last year both for the regular science fairs and for the Santa Fe High School Capstone Engineering 12th grade program. In the 2024-2025 school year, with an earlier start in announcing the “Economic Diversity Grant Award” program, we gave out a total of 12 grants thus far for both the regular science fairs now ongoing, as well as to the Capstone Engineering students at the Santa Fe High School.
At the end of last year’s science season, we had several of our Santa Fe students go on to compete in the NM Regional competition with success there as well. A seventh-grader from Mandela International Magnet School, emerged as a standout, claiming multiple accolades including the coveted Junior Grand Award in Physical Sciences. In a collaborative effort from Nina Otero Community School, a group of three seventh-graders tackled the pressing issue of climate change, garnering the attention of Climate Change New Mexico.
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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited its nonprofit grantees to submit stories related to our August topic of Education.
McCurdy Ministries
Local nonprofit McCurdy Ministries shares their story, including the early childhood programs that support young children and families in the Española Valley, offering care, education, and essential resources during critical early years.
Pegasus Legal Services for Children
Hear from Pegasus — a recent Santa Fe Baby Fund grant recipient and New Mexico’s only nonprofit law firm dedicated exclusively to children’s civil legal needs — about the importance of kinship guardianship in keeping local children safe and families together.
Santa Fe Indigenous Center
The Santa Fe Indigenous Center is a Native-led nonprofit serving Indigenous families across Santa Fe County. Through biweekly food drives, cultural events, community programs, emergency financial assistance, and a robust network of referral resources, SFIC supports the diverse needs of the local Indigenous community. Each year, the organization hosts its signature event — the Honoring Native Nations Powwow on Indigenous Peoples’ Day — bringing dancers, drummers, Tribal Dignitaries, artists, and community members together to celebrate Indigenous culture, joy, and resilience. This year’s powwow was a vibrant success, and SFIC looks forward to continuing this tradition in 2026.
