Two Rio Rancho schools win New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge 2024

Two Rio Rancho schools won the New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge last weekend at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

The event is a culmination of innovation and creativity that showcases bright young minds in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with more than 40 high school teams participating from across the state.

The ASK Academy and Cleveland High School were among the 27 winners, as was Bernalillo High School.

Celebrating its fifth year, the challenge is an annual competition where high school students showcase their skills and knowledge in STEM to build practical solutions for real-world problems.

This year’s challenge question was: Now that we live in a post-pandemic world, how can we improve overall mental, physical or relational health and wellness in our homes, schools and communities through the use of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)?

“These projects addressed a wide array of problems and challenges that our teens face both in New Mexico and in the world,” said Tony Fox, interim president and CEO of the LANL Foundation. “The solutions they presented addressed issues ranging from gun violence and addiction, to loneliness and anxiety, to clean air and water.”

Corporate sponsors each selected a team to support, and each student on those teams will receive $500.

“This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners and sponsors. Their commitment to STEM education is helping to shape the next generation of leaders in New Mexico,” said Ryan Labbe, the challenge’s chairperson and general manager of Tyler Technologies.

This year’s challenge saw diverse participation, with a notable increase in teams from underrepresented populations in STEM. This aligns with the challenge’s goal of fostering inclusivity and diversity in STEM fields.

“Not only was the quality of the projects exceptional,” said Madi Egnaczak, the challenge’s statewide showcase coordinator, “but it was more clear this year than ever that the students had very personal connections to these issues. Many of their projects directly addressed problems that they face themselves or that affect their friends and family.”

Supported by partnerships with UNM, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Department of Public Education, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, LANL Foundation and local and national business and industry leaders, the challenge is a platform for young minds to shape a brighter future for New Mexico using the transformative power of STEM education.

“This competition showcases tremendous talent and academic achievement in New Mexico,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “STEM programs and competitions like these are launching pads for students looking to create technology for the future not just in our state but across the country.”