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.
Umoja ABQ
Founded by refugee leader Chantal Muhumure, Umoja ABQ empowers refugee and immigrant women with the education, resources, and support they need to build self-sufficient, thriving lives. Through programs ranging from financial literacy and driver's education to maternal health and workforce development, Umoja ABQ is helping families create new opportunities and stronger futures in New Mexico.
LGBTQ Grant County
With support from the Envision Fund at Santa Fe Community Foundation, LGBTQ Grant County is strengthening its foundation and expanding year-round programming for LGBTQ+ youth, elders, and allies in rural southwest New Mexico.
Black Men Flower Project
Black Men Flower Project uses flowers as a tool for connection, affirmation, and community-building. In a society that has unnecessarily gendered expressions of care and beauty, even something as natural as flowers can feel off-limits to men. By placing flowers directly into the hands of Black men, the nonprofit challenges those assumptions and create new social permissions for vulnerability, gratitude, and brotherhood.
