Oñate High School receives $257K grant for STEM program

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Educators at Oñate High School in Las Cruces now have more than a quarter of a million dollars for STEM education.

"The sky is the limit as far as this goes, so it's a fantastic opportunity," said Col. Dave Trybula, Commander of White Sands Missile Range.

The federal money is part of a grant from the Department of Defense, according to Las Cruces Public Schools. The Dallas-based Math and Science initiative has distributed the money to more than 1,300 high schools, including El Dorado and Andress high schools in El Paso.

"It's an investment in a foundation that already exists in math, science and engineering that gives students and teachers opportunities to really do more and get to a higher level," Col. Trybula said.

Oñate High was selected based on the number of students at the school whose parents are in the military.

"I'm just very excited to continue to build partnerships throughout the community," said Dr. Karen Trujillo, the interim superintendent for Las Cruces Public Schools. "Just continuing to build on those relationships that will be the keys to success for all of our students."