Funds will support Inquiry Science Education Consortium
October 16, 2024
Española, NM – The LANL Foundation has received $250,000 from the Anchorum Health Foundation via the New Mexico Foundation to fund the Inquiry Science Education Consortium (ISEC) program, which provides hands-on science kits and instruction for students across Northern New Mexico.
“We are grateful for this partnership to continue supporting the amazing educators and students across Northern New Mexico,” said Dr. Gwen Perea Warniment, President and CEO of the LANL Foundation. “ISEC has been a mainstay in Northern New Mexican schools for the past 15 years, and this funding allows us to continue supporting our rural and tribal education partners in fostering classrooms that are driven by inquiry and grounded in collaboration, compassion and community.”
Established in 2010, the ISEC program delivers science education kits to more than 3,000 K-6 students at 19 schools across Northern New Mexico. The program also provides support to approximately 140 teachers in the region. Participating districts and schools include Española Public Schools, Ohkay Owingeh Community School, Mesa Vista Consolidated Schools, Peñasco Independent School District, Cuba Independent Schools, Questa Independent Schools, Jemez Mountain Schools, and McCurdy Charter School in Española.
The LANL Foundation hosts a summer institute for teachers to develop teaching methods in inquiry science, a teaching method that encourages students to explore scientific concepts through hands-on activities, critical thinking, and asking questions. This fall, the Foundation also launched a Teacher Leader Fellowship Program to provide professional development and mentorship to teachers implementing the program at their respective schools.
The ISEC program initiated early alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards and supported the state in advocating for its NM Stem Ready! Science Standards. The curriculum focuses on physical and earth sciences, integrating inquiry, social-emotional learning, and cultural learning.
“By investing in the ISEC program, we are starting students on a path toward future opportunities in high-demand fields, while also enhancing the capacity of teachers through professional development,” said Jenny Parks, Senior Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy at Anchorum. “This approach fosters a strong foundation for lifelong learning, economic stability, and improved health outcomes in our communities.”
Earlier this year, Anchorum committed to investing $25 million over five years into five community foundations in northern New Mexico. The grant to the ISEC program was the first awarded from the fund managed by the New Mexico Foundation.
“We are pleased that this will be the first of many grants New Mexico Foundation will award to organizations in the state through our partnership with Anchorum,” said Rosemary Romero, chair of the New Mexico Foundation Board of Directors. “Serving rural communities is part of our mission, and with this grant, students in rural Northern New Mexico school districts will have continued opportunities to access STEM education.”
Each year, LANL Foundation staff order, sort, pack, and deliver the science kits directly to participating schools and refurbish used kits for the following year via the Foundation’s Science Resource Center in Chimayo, which was completed in September for the 2024-2025 school year.
Continuation of the program is made possible by grant partners such as Anchorum, the New Mexico Foundation, TRIAD, the U.S. Department of Defense, and support from partner school districts. Northern New Mexico school districts interested in joining the program are encouraged to contact the LANL Foundation at (505) 753-8890, or visit lanlfoundation.org for more information.
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Since 1997, the LANL Foundation has been investing in education, learning, and human potential in Northern New Mexico. Through diverse programming and collaboration with key partners, the LANL Foundation works to ensure that all New Mexicans have the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient lifelong learners who are engaged in their communities. LANL Foundation is dedicated to the enhancement of students’ access to academic and technical opportunities, leading to quality jobs by supporting college and career readiness in schools, districts, communities, Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations. For more information visit: https://www.lanlfoundation.org.
Established in 1983, New Mexico Foundation (NMF) supports the diverse people, communities, and nonprofits throughout the state. As the only statewide community foundation, NMF has distinguished itself as a nationwide leader in philanthropy through its trust-based, grassroots approach. Its mission is to steward community resources, build partnerships, and create opportunities that transform lives throughout New Mexico.
Anchorum Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the conditions that have the greatest influence on the health of communities in our region. We are committing our resources to strengthening community-based partners tackling critical local issues. For more information, visit anchorum.org.
ools, districts, communities, Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations. For more information visit: https://www.lanlfoundation.org.
