Alamogordo Schools Get a $5,000 STEM Grant
Published 14 November 2026
By Debbie Mauro
Alamogordo Public Schools has won a $5,000 grant to replace outdated lab equipment and classroom technology, bringing back STEM and digital media learning across the district. The money comes from the Foundation for Rural Service, with our local phone and internet company, Tularosa Communications, putting in part of the cost. It is a small grant with a big local touch, and the check has already arrived.
What is the $5,000 grant for?
According to the Foundation for Rural Service's list of 2026 Community Grant recipients, Alamogordo Public Schools was awarded $5,000 “to replace outdated laboratory equipment and instructional technology, restoring STEM and digital media learning opportunities across the district.”
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. In plain terms, this grant is about giving students working equipment to learn with, the kind of hands-on tools that make a science or media lesson click.
Who pays for it?
The Foundation for Rural Service, or FRS, is the charitable arm of NTCA, The Rural Broadband Association. Its community grants go to rural places served by NTCA member companies, and the local company has to partner on each award. FRS says the NTCA member contributes 20 percent of every grant.
Here is how that works out for Alamogordo, by my own math:
| Who | Share | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation for Rural Service | 80% | $4,000 |
| Tularosa Communications | 20% | $1,000 |
| Total to Alamogordo Public Schools | 100% | $5,000 |
How did Alamogordo get it?
A Tularosa Communications team member wrote the grant and shared the news at a local meeting this month. Tularosa Communications submitted projects from Tularosa, Cloudcroft and Alamogordo, and the Alamogordo schools project was chosen. The team member also said Tularosa Communications is applying for a separate grant to improve service for its wireless customers, with no details yet.
FRS awarded more than $151,000 this year to 33 rural organizations across the country, with grants of up to $5,000 each, according to NTCA's announcement of the 2026 awards. Alamogordo Public Schools and a preschool in Artesia were the two New Mexico recipients on the list.
Can other local groups apply?
Yes, if they are served by a participating company. FRS says it accepts community grant applications each summer, for $250 to $5,000, and announces the awards each November. Projects fall into areas like education, public service, health and business development. If your school, library or volunteer group is in Tularosa Communications territory, it is worth asking the company about next year's round.
What does this mean for families moving to Alamogordo?
When I help families relocate, especially Holloman families, schools are near the top of their list. Small wins like this one show local businesses investing in our classrooms. If you are comparing schools, my PCSing to Holloman guide to schools and enrollment is a good place to start, and you can read more good news in Alamogordo Schools Good News: Fall 2026 Awards. For another local STEM story, meet Cindy Stong, who built a free STEM school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Alamogordo Public Schools receive?
Alamogordo Public Schools received a $5,000 community grant. It will replace outdated lab equipment and instructional technology for STEM and digital media learning.
Who gave Alamogordo Public Schools the STEM grant?
The Foundation for Rural Service awarded the grant with Tularosa Communications as its local partner. FRS paid $4,000 and Tularosa Communications paid the 20 percent share, $1,000.
What is the Foundation for Rural Service?
It is the charitable arm of NTCA, The Rural Broadband Association. It funds community projects in rural areas served by NTCA member companies.
How many groups won FRS community grants in 2026?
FRS awarded more than $151,000 to 33 rural organizations nationwide. Alamogordo Public Schools and a preschool in Artesia were the New Mexico recipients.
When can local groups apply for an FRS community grant?
FRS accepts applications each summer for grants of $250 to $5,000. Awards are announced each November.
Facts in this post come from the Foundation for Rural Service, NTCA and remarks by a Tularosa Communications team member at a local meeting, as of 14 November 2026.