The Socorro Independent School District welcomed the 2025-2026 school year by celebrating its recognition from the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE) as a leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Texas and across the nation.
SISD stands out as the first district in West Texas and one of only three in Texas—and in the nation—to earn the National Certificate for STEM Excellence - District (NCSE-D) from NISE. It is also the largest district in the country to achieve this honor.
During a celebration at the Student Activities Complex (SAC) II on July 28, Superintendent James Vasquez told educators that the certification was a promise to SISD students, ensuring their education would prepare them for college, careers and a rapidly evolving world.
“Your work shows the region, state and nation that we are not only meeting rigorous standards in integrating STEM into our curriculum and culture, but embracing STEM education to transform students’ lives,” Vasquez said. “You are equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in a competitive, technology-driven world.”
The NCSE-D recognizes districts for their commitment to continually improving districtwide systems and structures that support STEM educators and their students.
Escontrias STEAM Academy, Sierra Vista STEAM Academy and Montwood High School have also earned the National Certificate for STEM Excellence – Campus (NCSE-C), and 97 teachers and administrators received the National Certificate for STEM Teaching (NCST), further contributing to the district’s collective STEM expertise.
Dr. Beth Pesnell from NISE presented a plaque and banner to the district to commemorate this national achievement. Pesnell, a leadership coach and project specialist, collaborated with the district’s STEM Coalition Team throughout the three-year certification process, which focused on three phases: Plan, Implement, and Sustain.
The process was officially completed on April 13, 2025, with an action plan for the sustainability of high-quality instruction for all students and support for teachers to continue STEM instruction.
“You have earned this distinguished honor because of your commitment to ensuring that all students are engaged in equitable and dynamic STEM education and that they become resilient critical thinkers and creative innovators in Socorro ISD and in their world beyond the classroom,” Pesnell said.
During the event, students from Escontrias and Sierra Vista STEAM academies and Montwood High School showcased their innovative projects, highlighting their creativity and talent.
Escontrias STEAM Academy was the first school in West Texas to earn the NCSE-C designation in July 2023.
Steven Guajardo, a fourth grader at Escontrias, displayed the wild animals he built from Legos and the fruit and vegetable signs he printed in 3D for the school’s garden.
“It’s full of stuff to do,” Guajardo said about his experience in the academy. “You get to be creative, and there’s a bunch of after school activities, and you get to have fun.”
Dylan Ovalle, a sixth grader at Sierra Vista STEAM Academy, said he enjoyed being part of the academy because it allowed him to showcase his creativity through engineering and art. Sierra Vista obtained the STEM certification in August 2024.
“I like STEAM because it lets you do a lot more things than you can do at normal schools,” Ovalle said. “It’s very creative.”
Philip Joseph is a junior at Montwood High School, which received its certification in January. He has been a member of the school's award-winning robotics team since his freshman year.
He hopes that the STEM certification will attract more students interested in science and technology to the district and help grow the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) community.
“Robotics has shown me how to start from just the beginning, manufacturing the different parts, getting parts from other forces, making custom pieces, and then putting them all together and then making what we have here, the planning and all of it, and all the outreach we do to spread STEAM,” said Joseph, who plans to study mechanical and manufacturing engineering in college.
Click here to watch a video of this story on SISD-TV News.
National Institute for STEM Education (NISE) recognition event photos