Project Title:
Building Sustainable Technology and Equity Connected Communities through Youth and Adult Workforce Development: the ALGE Project
Funding Program:
Connecting Minority Communities Program
Project Purpose/Type:
New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU)'s "Building Sustainable Technology and Equity Connected Communities through Youth and Adult Workforce Development: the Acequia and Land Grant Education" (ALGE) Project will use digital technology to deliver a culturally responsive curriculum to underserved populations in Northern New Mexico (NMM), and culturally sustaining pedagogy to teachers of students in underserved populations.
City/Town/Service Area:
State(s):
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$2,901,403.08Funding Amount$2,901,403.08Total Project Cost0.00Non-Federal Cost Share
The ALGE Project will conduct and map an assessment of current hardware, software, and relay barriers to ensure that qualifying participants receive a package of connectivity support based on documented needs. The project will provide free access to Technology Learning Support Specialist micro credential courses that are specifically designed to expand the capacity and quality of remote and online learning techniques to address the historical lack of preparation and competency of teaching staff to facilitate online learning. Micro credential courses will be delivered in a boot camp model for parent and caregivers who have limited free time. Coaches will be provided to onboard, monitor progress, and offer technical assistance toward module and course completion.
The ALGE project will result in the development of a curriculum framework and content developed around Acequia and Land Grant studies. It will establish a digital resource delivery and repository system (including hardware, software, archives) at NMHU’s Donnelly Library. The project will also develop a continuing professional development network to support delivery of the curriculum framework in anchor communities to address the last mile digital needs.
Students, staff, and faculty at New Mexico Highlands University and community members in Las Vegas, New Mexico will benefit from the ALGE project. Staff and faculty will be offered professional development opportunities. Local high school students will be able to receive dual credit.
Las Vegas City Schools and West Las Vegas City Schools are collaborating on the ALGE project by offering dual credit for high school students also enrolled at NMHU, professional development for their teachers to optimize the use of open educational resources (OERs) and increase student engagement in the completion of courses that are culturally and geographically relevant.
The applicant does fund a consortia. The applicant’s activities do occur in the surrounding anchor communities. Details of community involvement are described below.