Udall, Heinrich Announce $2.6 Million to NMSU for National Resource Hub for STEM Education at Hispanic-Serving Institutions
WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that New Mexico State University was awarded $2,633,530 in funding by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish the NSF National Resource Hub for STEM Education at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI Resource Hub). The HSI Resource Hub will serve as a nexus for strategies and tools to improve undergraduate STEM education at Hispanic-serving institutions throughout the nation.
“New Mexico State University is a national leader when it comes to increasing access to STEM education for traditionally underrepresented students,” said Udall. “Now, educators and colleges can learn from NMSU’s successes with the help of this new HSI Resource Hub, which will play a critical role in improving outcomes for STEM students at hundreds of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in New Mexico and across the country. I am especially glad that the hub will be led by Dr. Elba Serrano, a New Mexico State University Regents Professor, who recently received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. With Dr. Serrano at the helm, I know the Hub will be instrumental in helping HSIs train an increasingly diverse and dynamic workforce. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m committed to securing resources that will strengthen New Mexico’s role in preparing the next generation of students to enter our thriving STEM sector with competitive skills and qualifications.”
“This major investment is a recognition of how New Mexico State University is leading the nation in empowering Hispanic students to pursue their education and careers in growing STEM fields," said Heinrich. "As one of the few people in Congress with a background in science and engineering, I have long fought for greater investments in STEM education to put all of our students on the path to become the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. We need more New Mexico students who are passionate about STEM to fill the in-demand jobs at our national labs, military installations, and innovative private sector companies. Encouraging scientific discovery and technological innovation will benefit both our students and New Mexico’s future as we tackle the significant challenges of the 21st century.”
New Mexico is home to 23 Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The HSI Resource Hub will develop a national network of HSIs working together to build capacity, provide mentorship and enhance inclusion in undergraduate STEM education. The initiative aims to increase institutional capacity and improve outcomes for STEM students by disseminating resources to over 450 Hispanic-serving institutions throughout the Unites States. It is expected to help increase retention and degree completion rates among STEM students at HSIs, leading to a more diverse workforce in the STEM fields.
