SW New Mexico News

Most of the New Mexico State University (NMSU) community takes the summer months to relax or prepare for the fall semester. However, learning continues for many students through various campus programs.

These activities range from sports and STEM to career exploration opportunities. Since 2001, NMSU's STEM Outreach Center has been hosting summer camps for elementary and middle school students. In summer 2024, more than 250 students from fourth to eighth grade attended these camps, which focused on drones, space exploration, a LEGO building challenge, and more. The center collaborates with other departments such as Computer Science, Learning Games Lab, College of Engineering, Physical Science Laboratory, and NMSU Esports to offer additional camps including those for high school students.

Sonya Bales enrolled her son in these camps since 2023 and noted an increase in his involvement in school. "Science class is becoming a 'cool' thing," Bales said. "He is involving himself in school class discussions more."

High school students from Las Cruces have attended an artificial intelligence camp hosted by the Physical Science Laboratory in partnership with Trenchant Analytics since 2023.

STEM Mavericks at NMSU partners with several departments including PSL Information Science and Security Systems Division and the Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Thirteen students from local schools participated in this program in 2024.

The program also included area high school teachers who supported learning activities during the camp after undergoing training themselves. Mack Pokorny shared insights about STEM's relevance across fields: "Everywhere you look there is STEM."

Maria A. Urena emphasized the impact of the program on her daughter Betsabeth Urena: "Two weeks per summer spent in this program can make a difference."

NMSU’s TRIO Student Support Services Programs also provide career exploration opportunities for Upward Bound participants and newly graduated seniors acclimating to college life.

In summer 2024, various Upward Bound programs were conducted where students learned subjects like engineering, computer science, entrepreneurship through Innoventure programs, ethics through Daniels Fund Ethics Boot Camp among others.

"They get to explore their likes and passions," said Lourdes Ambriz about these programs.

Daniel Rodriguez reflected positively on his experience with Bridge Academy: "I knew that with the Bridge program I would be ahead of my peers."

For further stories visit Panorama online at https://panorama.nmsu.edu