Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has released a list that underscores 10 significant community connection milestones accomplished in 2023. The laboratory, through its community partnerships, actively contributes to education, nonprofits, and economic development across the seven counties surrounding the facility. These include Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, and Taos.
The notable achievements include the Challenge Tomorrow Trailers initiative which connected 165 employee ambassadors with 3,100 students to promote hands-on science and STEM careers. A summer feature film resulted in a 50% increase in visitors at the Bradbury Science Museum and a 68% surge at Fuller Lodge and the Los Alamos History Museum. Higher education partnerships also expanded with a focus on cybersecurity, hydrogen fuel cell development, and computer science. According to LANL's press release, the Employee Scholarship Fund awarded $839,000 to 110 scholars to support education in Northern New Mexico.
The Community Data Sprint initiative assisted nonprofits in interpreting large datasets. This proved beneficial for organizations such as Twirl Taos and Self Help Inc. The Community Commitment Plan granted $2.5 million to support economic diversity and education. Los Alamos Demo Day showcased innovation in biotech, clean energy, and space systems. Back-to-School Support provided over 1,000 backpacks to schools while the Holiday Giving Campaign raised $2.6 million for nonprofits scholarships and a Toy Drive.
"We continue to be grateful for the support of our neighbors and the chance to work, live and grow as a community," said Kathy Keith who is the director of LANL's Community Partnerships Office according to another press release by LANL. "We look forward to finding more ways to support the region in 2024."
Established in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project, LANL is located around 35 miles northwest of Santa Fe. It operates as a multi-program research center that focuses on nuclear weapons design and production, addressing nuclear threats, and conducting national security science, technology, and engineering. This information is according to the About webpage provided by LANL.
