About New Mexico Governor's STEM Challenge

The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions and the New Mexico Public Education Department, encourage all New Mexico high school students who are enrolled in STEM courses to address the Annual Governor’s STEM Challenge Question through innovation, application, and strategic initiative.

Students and high schools who take on the Challenge will construct a project model demonstrating the application of the question and how it relates to real-world problems/solutions. High School STEM class curricula will be illustrated through case study methodology and co-curricular learning tools.

Teams will consist of a maximum of 10 students and 2 teacher mentors who will submit a solution proposal in addition to presenting at the Statewide STEM Showcase.

Projects will be judged by participating New Mexico industry employers on the basis of:

  • Quality
  • Degree to which answers demonstrate necessary skills associated with New Mexico STEM organizations.

Mission and Goals

At the heart of the STEM Challenge is a mission to:

  • Recognize achievement and develop potential in the diverse students of New Mexico
  • Encourage participation from underrepresented populations in STEM including minorities and girls
  • Help teachers incorporate and utilize the Next Generation Science Standards in classrooms

Who Can Participate

All New Mexico high school students grades 9th-12th.

“High Schools” include public, charter, and private schools. Homeschooled students and home educators may participate by joining a public school team. High Schools must choose 1 team of 10 students maximum and 2 teachers/mentors as representatives of their high school.

Benefits & Rewards for Participating

A total of $5000 ($500/student) is awarded to winning teams and is sponsored by NM STEM employers. Winning teams have the opportunity to present to companies, sponsors, and other teams at the statewide STEM Showcase. Students will build upon soft skills including:

  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Innovation
  • STEM development
  • Communication skills
  • Breakthrough Technologies