On Tuesday, December 3, 2025, the Four Corners Science and Computing Club (4CSCC) proudly participated in the New Mexico MESA STEAM Rally held at the University of New Mexico – Grants campus. The event was a dynamic gathering of students, educators, and STEM professionals, aimed at inspiring K–12 students through engaging, hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) experiences.
The Four Corners Science and Computing Club is an educational outreach initiative launched in 2021 and based at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. 4CSCC is dedicated to fostering interest and building confidence in scientific computing among Native American, Alaska Native, and other underrepresented students across the Four Corners region. The program offers hands-on workshops, student clubs, and professional development opportunities for educators, all centered around accessible tools such as the Raspberry Pi and micro:bit. 4CSCC emphasizes culturally responsive STEM curriculum development and community engagement to promote equity and representation in computational fields.
New Mexico MESA, Inc
New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (NM MESA, Inc.) is a state-wide, pre-college program that prepares students for success in college and careers in STEM. Founded in 1982, NM MESA supports middle and high school programs across New Mexico through six regional offices hosted at major academic institutions, including the University of New Mexico (UNM), New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), and New Mexico State University (NMSU). The organization partners with dedicated STEM teachers to implement year-round programming that includes workshops, academic competitions, college visits, mentorship, and leadership development. NM MESA’s mission is to empower and motivate New Mexico’s diverse students with STEM enrichment, while its vision is to cultivate well-educated, diverse professionals ready to lead in STEM fields.
The University of New Mexico – Grants campus, a branch of UNM, plays a vital role in expanding access to higher education in rural and tribal communities across western New Mexico. Through partnerships such as NM MESA, the campus serves as a hub for science outreach, career development, and dual-enrollment opportunities, helping to bridge the gap between K–12 and post-secondary education.
At the STEAM Rally, 4CSCC hosted an interactive booth showcasing lessons from its mobile “Scientific Computing Lesson Book,” featuring live demonstrations with the Raspberry Pi 400 and micro:bit. Students engage in beginner-friendly programming and hardware activities designed to introduce computing concepts in a tangible, enjoyable way. The event offers a rich opportunity to observe student learning styles across different grade levels and cultural backgrounds, allowing 4CSCC to continue refining its curriculum for broader classroom and club use. Teachers visiting the booth received insights and ideas for integrating scientific computing into their own classrooms.
Throughout the day, students participated in breakout sessions tailored to different STEM themes, including mathematics, biology, chemistry, nursing, data science, and electrical engineering. Each group rotated through interactive workshops and mini-lectures facilitated by professionals and university staff, while also visiting the concurrent college and health fair. These experiences helped illuminate academic and career pathways for students, particularly those from underrepresented and Native American communities.
The event’s goals reflect the shared mission of NM MESA and 4CSCC—to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to succeed in STEM. By participating in the STEAM Rally, 4CSCC continues to contribute to a growing network of educators and institutions committed to equity, innovation, and opportunity in science and computing education.
To learn more about NM MESA, visit: https://www.nmmesa.org.
Click HERE more information about the Four Corners Science and Computing club.
View more 4CSCC collaborative efforts HERE.