Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), the largest public school system in New Mexico, is implementing their MSAP grant to transition from “popcorn programming” to a new K-12 STEM magnet pathway to attract students from different social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds and fill in the gaps in the existing STEM magnet school offerings for the future.

Albuquerque is a historical hub of science, research, technology, and arts that has experienced "popcorn" programs in the form of magnet schools and programs in high schools with themes clustered in only a few areas and no K-12 connections. To progress from popcorn programming, a portfolio of innovative programs was developed offering more choice and establishing a K-12 engineering pathway for neighborhood schools. Support from families, local laboratories, institutions of higher learning, community members and business partners ensures pathway success for all areas of the district.

APS currently operates eighteen magnet schools serving over 5,000 of the 80-plus thousands in neighborhood and no-boundary magnets with themes such as Dual Language, Early College, New Tech Networks, International Baccalaureate, a home school hybrid, and alternative magnet high schools as well as the first K-12 magnet pathway.

JOIN US... learn about the challenges of implementing a new magnet pathway and be part of the conversations and discussions about equity, leadership and culture, and professional development. School leaders from APS and other magnet districts will share thoughts, advice, and experiences.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about how a district transforms their program to include equity and access for all students. Come with us on the journey and help us plan for the future.

PLUS: Tours of schools you do not want to miss!