ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s tens of millions of dollars approved by New Mexico lawmakers for a project very few people even know about. A new STEM Institute is the most expensive earmark to come out of this year’s capital outlay bill.  

Story continues below

• Crime: Two ABQ police officers placed on leave in critical pedestrian crash on Central
• Real Estate: ‘Nothing short of a personal resort’ luxury property listed for $12M in Santa Fe
• National: ‘I’m sincerely sorry’: Billy Joel cancels all concerts due to brain disorder diagnosis

The state is trying to close the gap in New Mexico, where students are underperforming in math and science, with the new institute that would be built in Albuquerque. “We are finally once and for all directing our state dollars that we have available in the right direction,” said Senator Michael Padilla, (D-Albuquerque). 

The state is already pouring $20 million into the idea, the most money any single capital outlay project got this last session. The money will go toward planning, design, and construction. 

Managing the project, the New Mexico Higher Education Department said the “institute” will help address gaps in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Over the 2023-24 school year, the state said only 23% of New Mexico students were proficient in math, and just 38% in science. The planned STEM institute would provide tutoring and more for students in fourth through eighth grade.  

“I mean, if you looked a decade ago, just a decade ago, we were probably half that rate at that point. So, if you take a look at it from that standpoint and we’re making these investments now, I’m looking to see this 23-25% bump all the way up to 40-50%,” said Sen. Padilla. 

The Public Education Department is expected to run the institute, which has no specific location at this point. HED said whatever gets built will “equip the next generation with the critical thinking, problem solving, and innovation skills” needed to succeed in an evolving workforce.  

“Border Plex, Los Alamos, Sandia, a quantum economy, all of these things that are coming into the state now are going to make a huge difference, but they’re not going to make a difference if we don’t have a STEM workforce,” said Sen. Padilla. 

KRQE News 13 tried to talk to the governor’s office, the Department of Higher Education, and the state Public Education Department about the STEM Institute, but no one would do an interview at this point. They emphasized that the $20-million project, so far, is still in the planning phases.