More than 100 middle-school girls attended the GEAR UP New Mexico and STEM Santa Fe Girls STEM Pathways Conference held on March 6 and 7 in Albuquerque. The annual event aimed to showcase college and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through interactive workshops in areas such as chemistry, computer science, coding, and robotics.
GEAR UP New Mexico is part of the New Mexico Higher Education Department. It operates as a federally funded initiative to enhance college and career readiness resources for students in grades seven through twelve. The program collaborates with middle and high schools across eight districts in New Mexico, focusing on institutions with significant numbers of rural and first-generation students.
MAD-learn CEO Alefiya Master commented on the event, saying, “Being a part of the GEAR UP New Mexico and STEM Santa Fe Girls STEM Pathways Conference was such an honor. It’s so important for girls, especially minorities, to be given opportunities to explore so many different fields of study. The work GEAR UP New Mexico does to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM is so important. It was an absolute pleasure to work together.”
The conference featured an interactive college and career fair. The fair offered hands-on activities, including lessons on becoming a fire ecology explorer to help with New Mexico wildfires.
Dr. Corine Frankland, GEAR UP New Mexico Director, expressed the significance of the event: "Putting together this event for middle-school girls who are exploring their interests and developing their skills within STEM is truly inspiring. The event provided workshops, mentorships, and true leaders from women professionals in their communities. These middle-school girls had a great time exploring STEM with their friends and are ready to innovate and lead in the dynamic landscape of the sciences and future technologies."
STEM Santa Fe Executive Director Leanna McClure emphasized the importance of representation in the STEM fields, saying, "STEM Santa Fe is honored to continue our partnership with GEAR UP NM through the Girls STEM Pathways Conference. As an Indigenous woman, I wasn’t always encouraged to pursue science or math but helping girls - especially those from underrepresented communities - see themselves reflected in STEM professionals reinforces the importance of our work. This conference provides a joyful, hands-on learning environment where girls can build confidence, connect with peers, and envision themselves as future STEM leaders."
Photos from the event are available on GEAR UP New Mexico’s Facebook and Instagram pages. For more information about GEAR UP, visit their website gearupnewmexico.org.
