A STEM Innovation Network for New Mexico: Partner Convening Report
On November 7th, 2024, Kersti Tyson, PhD, LANL Foundation and Monica Martinez Archuleta, PhD, Triad/
LANL, co-chairs for the Northern NM STEAM Coalition and the STEM Innovation Action Team (a collective of
STEM education advocates in New Mexico), in partnership with the Encantado Foundation, hosted a statewide
day-long convening of stakeholders to discuss the creation of a STEM Innovation Network for New Mexico
(STEM IN NM). Representatives from multiple sectors of the community were present in person and virtually
including educators from K-12 schools, out-of-school time organizations, and higher education institutions;
state government representatives; business and industry representatives; nonprofit leaders; Tribal community
representatives; and community advocates. Zach Taylor from the Center for Transforming Education facilitated
the convening with the support of the STEM Innovation Action Team. Heather Summers from Project ECHO
expertly facilitated the virtual space, ensuring those participating on Zoom were fully included throughout the
day.
The STEM IN NM Convening was divided into two parts. Despite a sudden snow storm in the region, over 100
people attended the morning session in person and virtually to learn about past and current efforts to create a
STEM Innovation Network in New Mexico, to hear panels of experts speak about the need for STEM education
innovation in NM from employers and workforce development perspectives, and to learn from leaders of STEM
Innovation Networks in other states. In the afternoon, a smaller group of about 50 participants engaged in
discussions to envision the work they would like to see a STEM Innovation Network accomplish in NM.
