Pathways to the Stars
Pathways to the Stars connects New Mexicans to space and high-tech careers through three entry points.
each powered by five core activities.
Three Gateways
Discovery Gateway
Explore what’s possible through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and belonging.
Powered by:
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Early Exposure
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Quality Education
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Partnerships
Explore Discover Experiences
Awareness • Inspiration • Identity-Building
Low barrier, curiosity-driven entry points
Programs & Activities
- National Space Day
- Intern Day
- Atomic 66/Space Fiesta
- Gateway Scholars Community Activities
- Higher Orbits Go-For-Launch!
- Albuquerque Public Schools Genius Day
- Spaceport America Open House
- Rio Grande Research SLAM
Primary Outcomes:
- Increased STEM awareness
- Career identity formation
- First-time engagement with space, tech, and manufacturing
- Educator and family buy-in
Skills Gateway
Build practical, job-ready skills through paid, employer-aligned training and real tools.
Powered by:
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Training
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Quality Education
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Partnerships
Explore Training Programs
Hands-On Learning • Paid Training • Skill Validation
Where interest turns into capability
Programs & Activities
- Pathways to the Stars™ Semiconductor Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship
- Employer-aligned bootcamps and short-term training cohorts
- Higher Orbits Go-For-Launch!
- Lab-based training at Launchpad
- Employer-informed curriculum pilots
- Paid experiential learning and stipend training models
Primary Outcomes:
- Job-ready technical and professional skills
- Resume-validated experience
- Reduced financial barriers to training
- Employer confidence in talent readiness
Opportunity Gateway
Turn skills into outcomes through internships, jobs, mentorship, and startup support.
Powered by:
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Professional Development
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Partnerships
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Training
Explore Opportunities
Employment • Internships • Entrepreneurship
Turning skills into real economic outcomes
Programs & Activities
- Internship placement and coordination
- Apprenticeship connections and employer hiring pipelines
- Employer matchmaking and cohort hiring
- Industry, government, and lab partner connections
Talent referral and placement support
Primary Outcomes:
- Job placement and retention
- Apprenticeship entry
- Startup formation and scale
- Wage progression and long-term career mobility
Enter through any Gateway ✦ Build momentum with support ✦ Move into real career outcomes
Find your gateway
Whether You’re Exploring, Building skills, or ready for your next opportunity,
We’ll connect you to the right step
NM Stem Directory
Partner with us
NewSpace Nexus
Pathways to the Stars™
FOUNDED IN RESEARCH.
BACKED BY DATA.
Access to workforce will become easier with a larger, more diverse space-ready talent pool.
Comprehensive Report:
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NM Labor Market Analysis
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Industry Survey
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STEM Ecosystem Map
Pathways to the Stars:
Empowering New Mexico’s youth to shape the future of aerospace
Pathways to the Stars will grow the space industry talent pipeline with programming, mentoring, experiential learning and career connection services spanning K-12 to early career, with industry involvement and special attention given to reaching minority populations. Multiple educational partners will provide learning and curriculum, and connection services will connect students to jobs and careers. We invite you to participate and inspire students to become part of the space workforce of the future!
Pathways to the Stars Partners
