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

Asombro is a proud recipient of the 2024 Candid Platinum Transparency Seal.

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

If 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.

Stop by or contact us for directions.

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!

Check out our events page for upcoming programs.

Become a Friend of the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park!

For anyone who loves the Park, join us in keeping our outdoor classroom a beautiful place. On Friends Days, we gather on a Saturday to help with maintenance like raking, pruning, or painting, identifying plants and animals, or transplanting plants. Join us and learn from each other and our friendly staff.

Outside of Friends Days, anyone can help us monitor for vandalism or help at public events. All skill levels and abilities welcome.

Join us at the CDNP on the 2nd Saturday of even numbered months, 8:00-11:00. Contact us for more information.

2025 Dates: Feb. 8, Apr. 12, Jun. 14, Aug. 9, Oct. 11, Dec. 13

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!

Southern New Mexico Giving Day

Once a year, the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico hosts a 24-hour virtual event designed to ignite giving across our region by allowing donors to support causes that better our communities.

A dollar-for-dollar matches up to $500 total can double your impact. Check back here for the 2025 Southern New Mexico Giving Day date.

iGive

Raise money for Asombro by searching and shopping online using iGive.

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!