SomosSTEM is an integrated, community-based, and culturally engaging STEM learning environment at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), a public comprehensive Hispanic Serving Institution in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

SomosSTEM weaves place-based course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), community internships, near-peer co-designed curriculum (intern-built CUREs), faculty development in culturally responsive mentoring, and sustained partnerships with local agencies into a coherent, longitudinal pathway to promote undergraduate persistence in the life sciences.

From 2020–2025, introductory biology and forestry students engaged in CUREs addressing local ecological and public health challenges, including post-fire restoration, watershed management, and community health data. Students deepened this work through internships with federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and health providers. Advanced interns translated field experiences into research modules, creating a near-peer feedback loop that strengthened relevance, representation, and collective ownership.

This webinar examines the design, challenges, and lessons from sustaining this work through several crises over a five-year period.