STEM Academy
Inspiring the workforce of the future . . .
AFRL NM STEM Academy is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education outreach program sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB). We offer hands-on, minds-on STEM activities that engage students in the application of STEM content in the context of a real-world setting, and introduce connections to STEM careers at KAFB.
We provide structured “Missions” during the school year that provide opportunities for students in 5th – 12th grades to explore a variety of STEM concepts:
Mission to Mars
DoD STARBASE NM
DoD STARBASE Advanced
Tech Mission
Robotics Challenge
STEM Challenge
The curriculum for our “Missions” is aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards.
Many of the activities included in our “Missions” focus on the application of basic STEM concepts behind technologies being developed by AFRL’s Directed Energy and Space Vehicle Directorates at KAFB.
Our ultimate goal is to increase the number of qualified candidates for STEM-related careers, with an emphasis on increasing the diversity of applicants ready to enter the STEM workforce.
Objectives
Increase awareness and interest in both STEM content and STEM careers
Attract students from diverse backgrounds to participate in STEM
Involve AFRL STEM professionals in outreach activities
We also support local / regional community STEM events including:
AFRL NM STEM Academy is implemented through a Partnership Intermediarty Agreement between AFRL and New Mexico Tech.
We’re creating the next generation of scientists and engineers.