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NMSU extends partnership with Las Cruces Public Schools to provide STEM after-school programs

  • engr_media
  • 24 January 2020

DATE: 01/23/2020
WRITER: Faith Schifani, 575-646-6233, schifani@nmsu.edu
CONTACT: Sara Morales, 575-646-3084, smorales@nmsu.edu


The New Mexico State University STEM Outreach Center will continue to partner with Las Cruces Public Schools to provide extended learning time after-school programs.

The idea of offering these 15-week programs came from the strong bond that NMSU shares with LCPS. Currently, 11 schools are part of the 21st century community learning centers out-of-school time program offered by the STEM Outreach Center at the NMSU College of Education. In collaboration with LCPS interim Superintendent Karen Trujillo, an additional 14 elementary schools will participate in after-school programming utilizing extended learning time funds.

“Our hope is that students find the program innovative, engaging and inspiring,” said Sara Morales, NMSU STEM Outreach Center associate director. “Research shows that children in after-school programs attend school more often, get better grades, and are more likely to graduate. They also improve students’ homework completion, class participation and class behavior.”

Each school will be assigned a site facilitator who will ensure that the programs are high quality and engaging for students. The NMSU STEM Outreach Center will provide approximately 114 educational curriculum kits and professional learning for about 120 teachers and educational assistants who will then implement the lessons in their after-school classrooms.

“What happens outside of the classroom is as important as what happens inside of the classroom,” said Morales. “It is our responsibility to ignite that passion for our children and youth at an early age and bring access to explorations that they otherwise may not have.”

Students must complete a registration form and select the session they prefer. Space is limited to 15 students per session encouraging a small student-to-teacher ratio.

For more information about these after-school extended time learning programs contact Morales at 575-646-3084 or smorales@nmsu.edu.