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 / Weiser A Fresh Start Revitalizes Weiser’s Farmers Market
Local Champion:
Friends of the Chamber of Commerce
Date funded:
May 22, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,500
Economy / Cortez Barn Quilts Bring New Energy and Foot Traffic to Downtown Cortez
Local Champion:
Two Cortez locals
Date funded:
May 14, 2026
Grant Amount:
$3,118
Economy / Libby Local Promotion Helps Libby’s Farmers Market Adjust to Its New Downtown Location
Local Champion:
Farmers Market at Libby
Date funded:
April 30, 2026
Grant Amount:
$1,450
Economy / Lander Sewing Mentorship Program Equips Lander Women with Skills for Livable Wages
Local Champion:
A Lander local
Date funded:
April 29, 2026
Grant Amount:
$10,000
Economy / Cortez Food Preservation Classes Build Skills and Small Businesses in Cortez
Local Champion:
Montezuma County Extension Office
Date funded:
April 28, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,430
Economy / Cortez A Digital Sign Puts Cortez Animal Programs on the Map
Local Champion:
Obe's Angels
Date funded:
April 22, 2026
Grant Amount:
$2,000
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

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.