In recognition of the interdependence of Los Alamos National Laboratory and Northern New Mexico communities, the LANL Foundation exists to enhance the vitality of the region by investing in education, learning and community development. Since 1998, the LANL Foundation has invested more than $26 million in over 1,600 grants serving regional schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and Pueblo/Tribal communities. Click here to view 2005-2007 award recipient lists.

In 2007, the LANL Foundation worked closely with Los Alamos National Security, LLC (LANS) to ensure that educational funding to local communities would continue under the new LANL contract. LANS leadership partnered with the Department of Energy to structure an agreement for community support that resulted in the signing of a new contract with the Foundation on July 2 (2007). Under this agreement, LANS pledged $3 million per year for seven years, for a total commitment of $21 million to be administered through the LANL Foundation to public schools and nonprofits to strengthen STEM education in Northern New Mexico. Additionally, LANS made a corporate pledge of $700,000 for seven years resulting in a total gift of $4.9 million. These generous contributions to local communities total $25.9 million through the year 2013.

In 2008, the Foundation's charitable funds will be invested in educational enrichment, educational outreach, and small educational outreach programs. These portfolios will provide funding for a wide variety of educational programs in the seven northern New Mexico counties of Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe and Taos.

The Foundation will support organizations addressing critical public education needs in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including STEM activities in the areas of teacher/ curriculum enhancement, educational technology and student support:

Teacher/Curriculum Enhancement

• Professional development and mentoring/cognitive coaching (i.e. certification and degree programs, workshops, conferences, virtual academies, training institutes, inquiry-based modeling)
• Quality improvement, performance excellence initiatives (e.g. Strengthening Quality in Schools/New Mexico Baldridge in Education Initiative)
• "Laboratory school" programs in partnership with regional colleges/universities
• Classroom resources including books, kits, instructional materials and supplies

Educational Technology

• State-of-the-art technology including network infrastructure, computers, software, peripherals and equipment for classroom and laboratory instruction
• Technology-supported instruction for teachers in basic technology literacy and advanced instructional methods including fundamental concepts; knowledge, skills and attitudes for applying technology to improve instructional practice; and student-centered strategies that maximize learning and achievement
• Student technology literacy including communication; information management; research; data analysis and interpretation; computational modeling, design and presentation; multimedia applications; and hand-held technology
• Distance learning, global and learning circle classrooms

Student Support

• College preparatory workshops/higher education "bridge" programs
• Learning assistance, mentoring and tutoring
• Student internship programs that are aligned with LANL High School Cooperative (Co-Op), Undergraduate Student (UGS), Graduate Research Assistant (GRA), and Technician Training programs, as well as programs that create opportunities for students within the regional business community (see www.lanl.gov/education/)

In 2007, the LANL Foundation invested $3,548,107 in 95 educational enrichment, educational outreach and small educational outreach awards. Funding included program and core operating support awards, as well as multi-year allocations (up to 3 years) totaling $95,000.