A multi-phase grant partnership between Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and San Juan College (SJC) is transforming hands-on learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in STEM fields.
This strategic investment is strengthening workforce development in high-demand areas such as engineering, drafting, information technology, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing.
Through this ongoing collaboration, SJC is not only acquiring cutting-edge equipment but also building clear, accessible pathways from education to employment. The result is a stronger pipeline of skilled graduates who are prepared to meet the needs of industry and employers across the region.
A Multi-Phase Grant
Since 2023, the LANL grant partnership has delivered a combined $250,000 through Phases One and Two, with Phase Two concluding in 2025. These funds have had a direct and meaningful impact on students and faculty by supporting:
- Student tuition and textbooks
- Faculty development and conference travel
- Program marketing and recruitment
- Investments in advanced technology and equipment
Phase Two continued the momentum by introducing advanced 3D printers that are now embedded into engineering and drafting coursework, giving students hands-on experience with industry-relevant tools.
(H2) Phase Three Expands Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Opportunities
In 2025, a $150,000 Phase Three award officially launched, bringing additional engineering equipment to campus and further expanding experiential learning opportunities. Planning is already underway for a future Phase 3B, which will explore new ways LANL can continue investing in SJC’s STEM programs.
Veronica Evans, Dean of the School of Science, emphasized the importance of sustained investment in students.
“This is a lot of money over many years, and it’s going directly to students,” Evans said. “It’s an investment in our students and their learning. Having this equipment has been a fantastic addition, and I look forward to what it means for the program.”
Preparing Students for High-Demand STEM Careers
For students like Romie Rousseau, the impact of the grant-funded equipment is immediate and deeply personal. Rousseau, a mechanical drafting student set to graduate this spring with an associate degree, is already using the new 3D printers as part of his coursework.
“Being able to design, print, test and revise something this fast changes how you think,” Rousseau said. “You can make decisions quicker and actually see what works.”
Rousseau’s journey to drafting was not a traditional one. A former senior pipeline technician in the oil field, he returned to school after being laid off. Now 43, with a wife and children, he credits SJC’s support and access to advanced technology with helping him reimagine his future.
“3D printing is less expensive in materials and labor, and it’s being used in more and more industries, from plastics to construction and even metal printing,” he said. “The more tools you know how to use, the better prepared you are.”
According to Rousseau, the grant-funded equipment gives students exposure to tools they would otherwise never be able to afford.
“These machines cost a lot of money,” he said. “For students who couldn’t afford this on their own, it’s an amazing opportunity to learn on the same kind of equipment used in industry.”
Strengthening the Workforce and the New Mexico Economy
As SJC continues to align its programs with workforce needs, the partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory stands as a powerful example of how targeted investment in education benefits students, faculty and the New Mexico economy.
By combining advanced technology, faculty expertise and student support, this collaboration is shaping the next generation of engineers, IT professionals and manufacturing specialists.
If you’re interested in pursuing a high-demand STEM career, learning with industry-standard equipment or supporting workforce-focused education, explore what SJC has to offer.
