[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 33 (Friday, February 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E209-E210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY OF NEW MEXICO

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                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 23, 2018

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to honor Air Force Research Laboratory of New Mexico--

[[Page E210]]

an organization committed to engaging our community, especially youth, 
in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
  The Air Force Research Laboratory's STEM Outreach Program in New 
Mexico organizes several programs that encourage students, from 
elementary through graduate school, to pursue careers in STEM fields. 
In 2017, the Laboratory's outreach efforts were aimed at expanding the 
number of student's served--a goal they've undoubtedly achieved. Their 
programs, such as Mission to Mars, DoD STARBASE, and the Robotics 
Challenge, reached over 2,700 students last year. Seventy three percent 
of the participants were minority or underrepresented students, and 
half were female.
  While incredibly dedicated to their own work, the Air Force Research 
Laboratory recognizes the value of collaborating with the community. 
Through marketing, financial, and organizational support, the 
Laboratory strengthened the Discovery Festival which introduced fun, 
interactive STEM exhibits to over 1,400 students in New Mexico.
  Additionally, by creating a formal STEM matching program with school 
districts and their foundations across New Mexico, the Laboratory 
increased staff volunteer hours to provide quality classroom 
instruction and projects in ways that are tailored to teachers' 
curriculum and individual classroom needs.
  The Air Force Research Laboratory of New Mexico's participation in my 
district office's Congressional App Challenge, a competition that 
encourages children to code, enriched the overall experience for local 
students. Laboratory staff took part in judging the submissions and 
provided live demonstrations for the students and their families during 
the awards reception.
  Last but certainly not least, in order to promote the importance of 
STEM learning, Air Force Research Laboratory is hosting New Mexico's 
premiere Excellence in STEM Awards. The ``STEMys'' will celebrate the 
accomplishments of students, teachers, schools, organizations, 
businesses, and volunteers devoted to STEM learning in New Mexico.
  I am incredibly proud of the work the Air Force Research Laboratory 
of New Mexico has done for the state's students. Their agency has 
inspired young minds to dream big, seize their future, and make the 
world a better place. I look forward to see the Laboratory's influence 
grow as they continue to educate and inspire New Mexicans.

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