Engines roared, robots moved to life and creativity took center stage as New Mexico Junior College S.T.E.A.M. Enrichment (NSEP) Summer Camp welcomed area high school students to campus for its annual, a four-day immersive experience held June 1–4, 2026. The camp blended hands-on learning with real-world challenges in automotive technology, robotics and engineering.

The NSEP Camp encourages students to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through engaging activities and collaborative learning experiences. Throughout the week, participants worked on automotive projects; such as deconstructing and putting back together real two-horsepowered engines, building a moving robotic vehicle with an electronic arm, to also enjoying a variety of recreational activities, including music bingo, a glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunt, relay races, and more.

Beyond the classroom and workshop, students had the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, make new friends, develop new skills, experience college life, gain independence, and most importantly build confidence in themselves and their future goals.

“Honestly, the NSEP Camp is the highlight of my year every single time. What gets me is watching it grow bigger and better each year,” said Social Media Coordinator, Armani Rios.

The program is hosted by NMJC staff with support from the Western Heritage Museum and the NMJC Foundation.

“The NMJC Foundation extends our heartfelt thanks to Valerie Onsurez Gauna for her vision and dedication to NSEP over the past five years, and to our flagship donors, Chevron, and the McGary Regan Foundation, for their continued investment in this life-changing program,” said NMJC Vice President for Advancement Rachel Gallagher. “The NMJC Foundation is proud to host this initiative and to partner with organizations and families who believe in the power of opportunity and growth.”

Reflecting on the impact of the camp, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Valerie Onsurez Gauna shared, “NSEP has been a gift I didn’t know would be so special and wonderful to receive. The students that have come in this program each year are so bright, talented, and the type of student that has grit and perseveres; the type of student that represents NMJC so well! I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to have such an intimate part to play in our wonderful summer camp these last 5 years. Here is to many, many more successful years of NSEP raising up the next leaders in STEAM!” 

Through hands-on learning, teamwork, and personal growth, the STEAM Enrichment Summer Camp continues to provide students with meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and future success. Other NSEP campus will continue this coming week, with, NSEP Minis, for ages 6-10, and NSEP Rising Stars, ages 13-15. These day camps will also take place on the NMJC campus, and will explore similar themes.

Top row, left to right: Chris Scott, Alexis Beltran, Landon Marquez, Tristien Viernes, Luis Zamarripa, Zion Rivas

Middle row, left to right: Hannah Gallagher, Olivia Kamplain, Jocey Rios, Heidi Herevia, Alexa Rios, Belinda Tinoco, Vivian Kamplain, Delainy Mata, Marylene Caro

Front row, left to right: Armani Rios, Emilee Jarrett, Valerie Onsurez Gauna, Roger Barr

Contact: Valerie Onsurez Gauna, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, New Mexico Junior College, 575-492-2780, vgauna@nmjc.edu or Emilee Jarrett, Media Design Coordinator, ejarrett@nmjc.edu