About Us

Igniting the Spirit of Exploration

Welcome to the Pathway to Space Camp, a collaborative initiative by NASA and the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium (NMSGC), part of NASA National Space Grant
College and Fellowship Program.

Empowering Students Through STEM and Space Exploration

We offer immersive, hands-on experiences that bring space science, technology, and exploration to life. Through engaging activities such as astronaut training simulations and space station operations, we aim to inspire the next generation of astronauts, engineers, and space enthusiasts.
Supported by the New Mexico Legislature and NMSGC, our program provides high-quality educational content that promotes academic growth and critical thinking skills. By emphasizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning in a dynamic environment, we empower students to dream big and explore future career paths in the space industry. Join us as we broaden horizons and cultivate the innovators of tomorrow!

Vision & Mission

Fostering Tomorrow's Horizons

Vision

Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Explorers

Our vision is to cultivate a diverse generation of innovators and leaders in space exploration. We envision a world where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to engage with STEM education and explore the wonders of the universe. By fostering a love for learning and critical thinking, we aim to inspire future astronauts, engineers, scientists, and dreamers who will push the boundaries of what is possible in space and beyond.

Mission

A Future of Boundless Exploration
Our mission is to ignite curiosity and inspire a passion for STEM in K-12 students. We are committed to providing immersive, hands-on experiences that make space science both accessible and exciting. Through innovative programs, we empower students to explore their potential, fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators in the space industry.

Meet our Team

At Pathway to Space Camp, we have an incredible team of passionate educators and space enthusiasts dedicated to inspiring young minds! Our knowledgeable staff is here to guide campers through exciting hands-on activities, from designing and building their own rovers to launching fun water rockets.

With a blend of expertise and enthusiasm, our team creates an engaging environment where learning meets adventure. We’re committed to helping the next generation explore the wonders of space and develop the skills they need to navigate their own cosmic journeys.

Join us as we empower young explorers to discover the universe and fill their minds with knowledge that’s out of this world!

Cristina Abeyta

Cristina Abeyta is an NMSU graduate dedicated to K-12 curriculum development and education, specializing in STEM and ELA. She brings expertise in developing summer programs and writing grants to support community initiatives. Her mission is to nurture the growth of STEM opportunities in small communities, particularly in Gadsden and Las Cruces, and to advocate for expanding access to quality afterschool programs that empower underserved communities.

Andrew Moralez

Andrew Moralez is a dedicated community leader who is committed to empowering and uplifting Title One communities. With a Master’s Degree in
Curriculum and Instruction, he has focused his career on supporting students and families through educational access and resource development. A graduate of Gadsden High School, Andrew remains deeply connected to his roots and actively works to bring meaningful programs to the area. His involvement in initiatives like the Pathway to Space Camp highlights his dedication to providing transformative educational experiences for K-12 students, in collaboration with various organizations and legislative support.

Eileen Moralez

Eileen Moralez holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and is a dedicated advocate for educational excellence and community engagement. With a strong commitment to empowering students and families in Title I communities, she has made a significant impact through her support of programs like the Pathway to Space Camp, which provides enriching opportunities for students in the Gadsden District. Eileen emphasizes collaboration, resource accessibility, and inspiring young learners to achieve their fullest potential. Her work reflects a deep belief in education as a transformative force for positive change, grounded in her expertise in psychology and her passion for fostering growth in underserved communities.

Elijah Leija

Elijah Leija is a student at New Mexico State University. He has an Associate of science and is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering. Elijah  thrives on a challenge and loves to come up with ideas and projects that spark innovation. The Pathway to Space Camp provides Elijah with an opportunity to reach out to students in his community to find and create solutions to real-world problems through STEM activities. He also hopes to inspire others to create change and impact the world in a positive way with brilliant ideas

Marla Martinez

Marla Martinez is a passionate advocate for education and community support, committed to driving meaningful change. With a Master’s degree in Accounting and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, she combines analytical expertise with creativity to enhance educational initiatives and community programs, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to create a lasting impact. Her leadership in initiatives such as the Pathway to Space Camp reflects her dedication to inspiring the next generation and advancing academic enrichment throughout New
Mexico

Meet our Partners

NM Representative Ray Lara

The Pathway to Space Camp initiative is a testament to our commitment to inspiring and empowering students in southern New Mexico. Through strategic partnerships with New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium, this program provides K-12 students from Title 1 schools within the Gadsden District with unique and enriching experiences. Legislative funding has been critical in enabling us to build a pipeline of future scientists, engineers, and leaders who are well-prepared to contribute to the growing space industry and related fields in our state.

“”I am proud to support the Pathway to Space Camp through legislative funding.
Investing in our youth is investing in New Mexico’s future. By collaborating with
institutions like NMSU and the NM Space Grant Consortium, we are ensuring
that students from our community have access to exceptional opportunities in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This program not only
inspires curiosity but also equips our students with the skills they need to
succeed in the burgeoning space economy.”

Paulo Oemig
As the Director of the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium, I am proud to support the Pathway to Space Camp initiative. This program represents a remarkable collaboration among our committed partners, including the New Mexico Legislature, NASA, the Institute of Competition Sciences (ICS), and Teachers in Space (TIS), to provide exceptional space education opportunities to K-12 students in Title I schools.
By leveraging the resources and expertise of these organizations, the Pathway to Space Camp offers students hands-on learning experiences and exposure to real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These opportunities spark a passion for space exploration and prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

“Thanks to the incredible partnerships with the NM Legislature, NASA, ICS, and TIS, we can inspire students in our Title I schools with the wonders of space exploration and provide teachers with the tools to bring advanced STEM experiences into the classroom,” said Paulo Oemig. “This initiative is a significant investment in our youth and the future of New Mexico’s STEM workforce.”