Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** explora is an experiential learning…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** explora is an experiential learning center in albuquerque, NM that provides inquiry-based programs and exhibits to illuminate basic concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math (stem) for people of all ages. In this proposal, explora describes a two-year extension project, roots & routes: rural women, stem, and sustainability, that will address the educational need areas of 1) student experiential learning, and 2) recruitment, retention, & educational equity in stem for women & underrepresented minorities (urms) from rural areas. In partnership with university of new mexico center for water and the environment, new mexico state university cooperative extension service 4-h and master gardeners, the village of LOS ranchos, the LA familia growers market, the railyards growers market, zuni youth enrichment program, desert hives, mustard seed flowers, RIO grande community farm, chispas farm, and the school garden teams at moriarty elementary, LOS ranchos elementary, valle vista elementary, and dorn charter community school (project team), explora will utilize our combined resources and expertise to address underrepresentation of the target audience in stem through a focus on the science, technology, engineering, and math embedded in new mexico's rich agricultural traditions, which include ecological awareness and sustainability practices.participants will engage in two different extension activities: 1) a series of school-based programs, and 2) family workshops at local growers' markets. These activities will take place in four project hubs, each of which are primarily rural, URM areas with deep agricultural traditions: albuquerque's south valley, the village of LOS ranchos, the small town of moriarity, and the pueblo of zuni. The activities will be supported by the presence of local stem professionals and farmers, who can serve as role models and mentors and help students see themselves in stem career pathways.with the goal of increasing rural female & minority participation in food, agricultural, natural resources, and human (fanh) sciences, roots & routes: rural women, stem, and sustainability will focus on increasing the target population's: 1) awareness of stem already happening in the local farming community; 2) exposure to stem role models – especially female farmers of color – in local food systems; 3) interest in fanh content and careers; and 4) self-identities as scientists. Students will develop a deep understanding of the power of roots for helping plants grow and of how their own community roots can give them the nourishment they need to explore routes to stem careers.