How To Help
Thank you for supporting the Asombro Institute for Science Education! Through your assistance, we are able to bring engaging science education to our schools and community. There are three ways to help us continue our work:
Donate
Thank you for supporting the continuing efforts of the Asombro Institute for Science Education. We deeply appreciate your support. If you have any questions about donations, please do not hesitate to contact us. There are several ways to make a monetary contribution.
The Asombro Institute for Science Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed.
Donate Online
You can support Asombro by making a secure donation online through Network for Good. Click the box below to make a one-time or monthly donation now!
Mail-In a Donation
In you prefer to donate through the mail, please print the donation form and mail it with a check or credit card information to:
Asombro Institute for Science Education
P.O. Box 891
Las Cruces, NM 88004-0891
Join the Booster Club
As a member of the Asombro Institute for Science Education’s Booster Club, you will be a part of a generous group in our monthly giving program. Just click the button below, and choose “monthly” for the donation frequency.
Sponsor a Classroom
Consider being a Science Sponsor. Through this program, you will sponsor a classroom of children to receive a one-hour, hands-on science lesson. Click the button below to learn more.
Adopt a Cactus
“Adopt” a cactus, and receive a beautiful framed photo to serve as a reminder that you helped bring the wonder of the desert to children in our region. Donate at an adoption level below to receive a certificate and framed 4” x 6” photo of your chosen cactus species taken by Las Cruces photographer, Lisa Mandelkern. You may choose to give the cactus adoption as a gift.
Cactus adoptions cannot be shipped internationally.
Volunteer
There are many opportunities for you to help the Asombro Institute for Science Education serve the community. Below are some ways that you can volunteer with Asombro. No experience is necessary. Please contact us for more information. Together, we can make a difference!
Attend a Volunteer Gathering
Join us for monthly volunteer gatherings, held on the second Tuesday of most months from 9:30AM -10:30AM at the Asombro Institute for Science Education office at 401 E College Drive, Las Cruces. This is a great opportunity to meet other volunteers and learn more about Asombro. We work on a variety of tasks such as folding newsletters, prepping for education programs, stapling, sharpening, etc.
Assist During a Classroom Program
We can always use a second pair of hands during our classroom programs. This volunteer helps the Asombro staff member pass out papers or equipment to students and assists students with basic tasks. Some programs take place over a full school day while others are just for one or two classes. We ask volunteers be available for the entire class time and bring a lunch if needed.
Help Out on a Field Trip
Field trips are full-day events either to the Jornada Experimental Range Headquarters or the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. Volunteers are paired with an Asombro staff member or another volunteer to conduct education stations on a variety of topics. We never put a volunteer in charge of station until they are ready and willing. We rally at our office at 8 am and drive out together. We are back to our office by 2 pm for elementary school field trips and 3:30 pm for middle and high school field trips. Volunteers need to dress for the weather (we go rain or shine) and bring a lunch and water.
Volunteer at a Public Program
Throughout the year, we host public events at our Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. At events such as nature hikes and other public events, volunteers help check-in visitors and run activity booths. We provide the materials and training – you supply the enthusiasm and energy!
TrailKeepers
Several times throughout the year, we have trail work days at our Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. There is always something that needs to be raked or pruned. Sometimes, there are are other tasks, such as benches to paint or rocks to haul. Volunteers are asked to bring water and work gloves.
Support
There are other ways to help the Asombro Institute bring engaging, place-based education to our community beside volunteering and contributing donations. Look below for other ways to help. Be an Asombro supporter!
Amazon Smile
Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchases to Asombro. Just use our Amazon Smile Link. The entire shopping experience, including your account information, is the same and doesn’t cost you anything extra!
Science Sponsors
How To Be A Science Sponsor
As a nonprofit organization with donated office space and utilities, Asombro is able to keep overhead and program fees low. Fees are $100 per class, which includes all travel, staff time, materials, photocopies, and other supplies needed for a 60-minute program for one class (25-30 students).
Unfortunately, even these modest program fees are too much for many deserving schools. More than 30% of New Mexico children live in poverty, and New Mexico spends considerably less per student for education than the national average. You can fill the need by becoming a Science Sponsor today!
When You Become a Science Sponsor
- a classroom of children receives a one-hour, hands-on science lesson;
- you receive notes from the children and/or their teacher; and
- you help bring the wonder of science to local children.