Tuesday, October 25, 2016 WASHINGTON According to Martin Heinrich's email upate:  "U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that five New Mexico universities will receive more than $18.6 million to support Hispanic and low-income students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The University of New Mexico Valencia Branch Campus, New Mexico Highlands University, Eastern New Mexico University–Roswell, New Mexico State University–Carlsbad, and Eastern New Mexico University-main campus will receive grants through the U.S. Department of Education Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM Program. The schools will receive $3.7 million in total funding this year, and it is anticipated that each grant will be renewed for the next four years, for a total of $18.6 million over the next five years.

Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories expect to hire about 5,000 people in the next five years, and Udall and Heinrich have emphasized the importance of filling those vacancies with New Mexico applicants, and building a pipeline from New Mexico universities to the labs that ensures students are prepared for these positions.

Hispanic-Serving Institution STEM grants are intended to increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students attaining degrees in STEM fields, and to promote coordination between two-year and four-year institutions. Awarded funding may be used for improving academic STEM programs, developing research opportunities for students in STEM fields, providing or improving student services, encouraging secondary students to pursue STEM degrees and careers, and improving STEM facilities and equipment. "

"WESST Technology Toolkit, launched by PNM Job Growth Initiative, is a program that will help New Mexico entrepreneurs effectively incorporate technology tools that will move their business to the next level. The essential elements of the Toolkit are training workshops that teach these technology tools and access to streamlined loans to help entrepreneurs incorporate technology into their business.

Group Training and Education offers:

• Focus on obtaining or enhancing an online presence of small businesses as well as how to effectively incorporate technology tools into your business.
• Sample classes include Web Marketing and Social Media, E-Commerce, Mobile Tools for Marketing & Productivity, QuickBooks and Financial Tools for small businesses.
  • Introduction to Crowdfunding
  • Social Media 101
  • Computer Security for Small Businesses
  • Web Marketing 101
  • Public Relations for an Online Media World
  • Online Reputation Management
  • QuickBooks Pro for Beginners
  • Mobile Tools for Marketing and Productivity
  • Financial Tools for Small Business

One-on-One Consulting

• Tailored business research, analysis, assistance, and advice provided in a one-on-one setting (either in person or by phone or Skype).

Tech Loans

• $500 to $5,000 loans for tech purchases (hardware, software, web development)
• 5.5% and ability to lower rate if entrepreneur attends technology training classes
• Short turn around; streamlined application
  
  To learn more visit the WESST website and special appreciation goes to:
  Launching Partner, PNM, and Sustaining Partners Hearst Foundations and  Wells Fargo.

New Mexico TechWorks is supporting and promoting development of a strong Emerging Media and Technology pipeline as our Tech Ecosystem grows. Now, thanks to Code.org and Paige Prescott, our very own New Mexico Code.org facilitator, educators are invited to attend a FREE workshop on "Computer Science Fundamentals!"  In less than 6 hours, elementary and middle school teachers will learn the introductory computer science curriculum from Code.org, which is a great way to get started and engage students in problem solving and computational thinking. Participants will receive a curriculum book, swag bag and a box of supplies for the unplugged activities. Snacks will be provided, but you must bring a device such as a laptop, tablet or ipad.  Upcoming workshops available in northern New Mexico include Saturday November 5 in Espanola OR Saturday November 1, 9am to 3pm. To enroll click here.