New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced its forthcoming event, Learn-A-Palooza. The event is designed to inform families about the educational opportunities available at NMSU and engage them in activities related to science, technology, engineering, art, math, and health. Hosted by NMSU’s College of Health, Education, and Social Transformation (HEST), the event is free and open to all.
The Learn-A-Palooza event at NMSU offers a variety of indoor and outdoor sessions, games, and presentations for career exploration and learning. The initiative stems from the successful STEM Fest and is led by Susan Brown, former director of the STEM Outreach Center. Sponsored by the Glass Family, Aprendamos Family of Services, and the Southwest Outreach Academic Research Evaluations & Policy Center, registration will take place at Preciado Park. Activities will be held there as well as in nearby buildings according to a press release issued by NMSU.
"The purpose of this family-friendly community engagement event is to provide a welcoming, inspirational space for families, youth and children to enhance their curiosity in college options, career explorations and lifelong learning," said Yoshi Iwasaki, Dean of HEST at NMSU. He added that this campus-wide event highlights their collaboration with all other colleges at NMSU. It also leverages their extensive networks with nearby school districts, community organizations, governmental bodies and local businesses.
HEST was established in 2021 with a mission to serve students, faculty members and staff dedicated to improving individual societal outcomes as well as policy outcomes. The college's objective is to pursue social change through education research and outreach programs. HEST envisions becoming leaders in discovering innovative solutions in health education and social sciences for societal betterment not only in New Mexico but beyond. The college was formed by merging the previous College of Education with the College of Health & Social Services along with the Department of Sociology from the College of Arts & Sciences, according to information provided on the HEST webpage by NMSU.