NMSU selected for Hispanic-serving STEM resource hub

WASHINGTON -- New Mexico State University has been awarded $2,633,530 in funding by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish the NSF National Resource Hub for STEM Education at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI Resource Hub).

U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, both D-NM, announced the award Friday. The HSI Resource Hub will serve as a nexus for strategies and tools to improve undergraduate STEM education at Hispanic-serving institutions throughout the nation.

“New Mexico State University is a national leader when it comes to increasing access to STEM education for traditionally underrepresented students,” Udall said. “Now, educators and colleges can learn from NMSU’s successes with the help of this new HSI Resource Hub, which will play a critical role in improving outcomes for STEM students at hundreds of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in New Mexico and across the country.”

The hub will be led by Dr. Elba Serrano, a New Mexico State University regents professor, who recently received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.  

“This major investment is a recognition of how New Mexico State University is leading the nation in empowering Hispanic students to pursue their education and careers in growing STEM fields," said Heinrich.

New Mexico is home to 23 Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The HSI Resource Hub will develop a national network of HSIs working together to build capacity, provide mentorship and enhance inclusion in undergraduate STEM education.

The initiative is expected to help increase retention and degree completion rates among STEM students at HSIs, leading to a more diverse workforce in the STEM fields.