Launch of AstroYouth Program Bolsters Space-Related Tourism in Taos | LOR Foundation
Complete Economy

Launch of AstroYouth Program Bolsters Space-Related Tourism in Taos

Taos
  • Local Champion: STEMarts Lab
  • Date Funded: December 17, 2024
  • Grant Amount: $21,075

UNM Taos was recently gifted a Dobsonian telescope, which will be the largest public-use telescope in New Mexico and serve as the centerpiece for a new ‘Cielo Centro’ featuring an ADA-compliant observatory and outdoor amphitheater. However, to date, Taos youth have had very little exposure to meaningful, culturally relevant experiences related to space science and technology.

So, a STEMArts Lab employee reached out to LOR with a solution, capitalizing on the development of the new Cielo Centro: develop and launch an AstroYouth curriculum, tour guide training, and podcast series to teach youth about space science and cultivate their interest in space-related careers while also advancing Taos’ space-related tourism economy.

LOR’s funding will cover the cost of podcast and video creation equipment, instructor and intern stipends, and all travel expenses related to launching the project.

Contact our community officer in Taos. Meet Sonya Struck
More Economy Solutions
Economy / Cortez An Exhaust Hood Completes Cortez’s First Community Commercial Kitchen
Local Champion:
Four Corners Food Coalition
Date funded:
March 20, 2026
Grant Amount:
$30,000
Economy / Libby Changing Tables Help Libby Families Participate in Community Life
Local Champion:
Lincoln County Health Department
Date funded:
March 9, 2026
Grant Amount:
$10,000
Economy / Cortez Information and Exposure Connect Cortez Residents to Local Grain Systems
Local Champion:
Pueblo Seed and Grain Hub
Date funded:
March 5, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,798
Economy / Taos Planning Workshop Helps Taos Residents Access County Cultural Events Funding
Local Champion:
Downtown Taos
Date funded:
March 5, 2026
Grant Amount:
$3,300
Economy / Weiser An Alumni Foundation Supports Weiser Schools
Local Champion:
Weiser School District 431
Date funded:
March 3, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,820
Economy / Questa Business Workshops Prepare Questa Entrepreneurs for Growth
Local Champion:
Questa Economic Development Fund
Date funded:
March 3, 2026
Grant Amount:
$8,496
See All solutions

Share an Idea

If you have an idea for improving quality of life in Cortez or Monte Vista, Colorado; Lander, Wyoming; Libby, Montana; Questa or Taos, New Mexico; or Weiser, Idaho, use this form to start a conversation with us.

"*" indicates required fields