Funds for educational enrichment and outreach in Northern New Mexico
Los Alamos National Security, LLC granted the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation $3 million to provide educational enrichment and educational outreach funding for a wide variety of education programs in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Taos counties.
The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and LANS, the prime contractor for the Laboratory, are committed to regional science education and outreach to strengthen the economic diversification of Northern New Mexico.
LANS renewed its commitment to the Laboratory foundation to address critical public education needs in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including STEM activities in teacher and curriculum enhancement, educational technology, and student support. These programs address educational quality, delivery, and reform to match present and future Laboratory and community workforce needs.
"This funding benefits the communities, students, and teachers of Northern New Mexico, resulting in improved learning opportunities, better math and science teaching, and individual student success," said Laboratory Director Michael Anastasio. “By addressing critical public education needs in science and math, the Laboratory and other U.S. employers will be better able to attract and recruit quality scientific and engineering talent.”
“For more than 60 years, the Laboratory has benefited from the workforce and resources of Northern New Mexico,” said Susan Herrera, the foundation's chief executive officer. “This contribution to the LANL foundation will enable the Laboratory to reinvest in regional communities as well as continue to enhance educational opportunities and programs.”
In addition to the $3 million grant for educational enrichment and educational outreach funding programs, LANS has allocated $700,000 of its fee in 2008 to support the Northern New Mexico Math and Science Academy ($100,000 per year), establish a Regional Quality Center in Española ($100,000 per year), provide up to $250,000 per year in employee matches to the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund, and fund an additional $250,000 per year in educational outreach awards.
Since 1998, the LANL Foundation has invested more than $29 million in community and educational programs in Northern New Mexico.
“Together, the LANL Foundation and LANS will make significant contributions to realizing the human potential of Northern New Mexico and help make New Mexico a leader in educational innovation,” said Diana MacArthur, foundation board president.
