Reflecting on 15 Years of ISEC: A Legacy of STEM Education in Northern New Mexico
For more than a decade, the Inquiry Science Education Consortium (ISEC) Program brought hands-on STEM learning to K–6 public school classrooms across Northern New Mexico. In 2025, the LANL Foundation marked the close of the ISEC Program and celebrated its transformative impact—while looking boldly toward the future of STEM education in our region.
Launched in 2010, ISEC was built on a simple but powerful idea: every child deserves access to high-quality science education. Through innovative instructional materials, robust teacher training, and a commitment to equity, ISEC reached nearly 50 schools and more than 37,000 students. Over the life of the program, the Foundation invested more than $10 million to support science learning and classroom innovation.
A Lasting Legacy
ISEC provided more than just materials—it cultivated a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and leadership. The program equipped 270 classrooms with hands-on STEM kits, assembled and distributed by the Foundation’s warehouse staff in Chimayó. Even as the program concludes, participating schools and districts have been invited to continue using these materials in their classrooms.
One of the program’s most lasting contributions is its focus on teacher leadership. The ISEC Teacher Leader Cadre—launched to foster peer mentorship and instructional excellence—evolved into a formal fellowship in 2023. This initiative will continue beyond the lifespan of ISEC, empowering educators as agents of change in their schools and communities.
What’s Next: A New Chapter in STEM Education
The decision to sunset the ISEC Program was guided by shifting state standards, growing district capacity, valuable feedback from partners, and expanded public support for STEM education. These changes present a new opportunity to reimagine the Foundation’s role in advancing STEM in Northern New Mexico.
Looking ahead, the LANL Foundation will continue its deep commitment to STEM education through strategic, community-driven initiatives, including:
- Co-creating an Indigenous Science Curriculum in partnership with tribal communities
- Developing a regional STEM Education Framework to guide efforts across the region
- Expanding grant support for schools and grassroots STEM programs
- Advocating for a statewide STEM Innovation Network with sustained legislative and partner support
As we close this important chapter, we extend our gratitude to the educators, families, and community partners who helped ISEC thrive. Together, we move forward—committed to building inclusive, innovative, and culturally grounded education opportunities for the next generation.