Local Nonprofit Brings Hands On STEM to Elementary Students

R4Creating, a nonprofit based in Rio Rancho, joined Alameda Elementary on December 22 to stage a Genius Hour STEM showcase that allowed students to demonstrate small engineering and coding projects developed in class. The event featured hands on mentoring and coaching from R4Creating staff and volunteers, and projects ranged from simple robotic cars to basic programming demonstrations and other small scale engineering efforts.

Organizers described the showcase as part of a broader effort to grow homegrown STEM talent by giving students exposure to technology and engineering concepts before they reach high school. Classroom teachers facilitated the student presentations while R4Creating mentors offered practical guidance on circuitry, coding logic, and prototype testing. The partnership brought community expertise into the school environment and created a public forum for students to practice explaining their work and solving real time problems.

For local families and the school community the showcase offered immediate benefits. Younger students gained hands on experience that supplements classroom lessons, while parents and caregivers saw tangible examples of how early STEM engagement can spark interest in technology fields. For Sandoval County the program represents an investment in building a local talent pipeline by creating pathways to middle and high school robotics and technology programs.

The event underscores the role of nonprofit and school partnerships in expanding curricular opportunities without placing additional burdens on classroom budgets. Schools interested in hosting similar activities can inquire through their school administration about collaborating with local nonprofits that offer volunteer mentoring and coaching. Families seeking involvement should monitor school newsletters and district communications for announcements about future showcases, volunteer needs, and enrollment opportunities for after school or enrichment programs.

R4Creating and Alameda Elementary indicated plans to continue outreach and similar events in the coming months, with the goal of broadening participation across area schools and deepening early STEM learning opportunities for students across the county.