(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – May 15, 2026) — Across El Paso ISD, students are doing far more than learning science and math from a textbook. They are coding robots, designing engineering solutions, collaborating on real-world challenges, and building the skills needed for their future careers.
That commitment to innovation and hands-on learning is earning national recognition.
This month, El Paso ISD proudly celebrates four campuses that have officially earned the National Certificate for STEM Excellence (NCSE) Campus Certification through the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE): Bobby Joe Hill PK-8 STEAM Academy, Clendenin Elementary STEAM Academy, Cooley Elementary STEM Academy, and Western Hills Environmental Elementary Environmental Science Academy.
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The nationally recognized certification honors schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to STEM education through rigorous instruction, campus-wide collaboration, innovation, and long-term student success.
“These campuses are transforming the learning experience for students,” said Chief Academic Officer Al Garcia. “National STEM Certification reflects the incredible work happening inside our classrooms every day. Our students are learning how to think critically, solve problems creatively, and prepare for a future driven by innovation and technology.”
As part of the certification process, campuses worked alongside STEM leadership coaches to evaluate instructional practices, strengthen STEM culture, create long-term strategic plans, and build sustainable systems that support high-quality STEM learning for all students.
The process also emphasizes collaboration, inquiry-based learning, and real-world problem-solving skills that educators say are essential in preparing students for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.
“I had the privilege of leading one of the first campuses in El Paso ISD’s STEAM initiative alongside a wonderful team,” said Daniel Correa, Program Coach at Clendenin Elementary School. This means a lot for our campus because it means we are offering strong instruction, providing hands-on learning opportunities, and real-world lessons. We are on track to prepare our students to become future scientists, astronauts, computer science engineers or whatever their hearts desire.”
Research continues to show the importance of STEM education in developing critical thinking, creativity, communication, and technological literacy. According to the National Institute for STEM Education, STEM-focused learning environments help students become adaptable thinkers capable of navigating rapidly evolving industries and workforce demands.
Each certified campus brings its own unique approach to STEM education:
At Bobby Joe Hill PK-8 STEAM Academy, students engage in interdisciplinary learning experiences that blend science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into everyday instruction.
Clendenin Elementary School has become known for its innovative “Maker Spaces,” robotics programs, coding opportunities, and hands-on engineering projects that encourage students to explore and create.
Meanwhile, Western Hills Elementary School continues to inspire students through its Environmental Science Academy, where students combine STEM learning with environmental stewardship, sustainability projects, coding, and collaborative design challenges.
El Paso ISD also recognized Cooley Elementary School, which recently completed its National STEM Certification process. The campus has already gained attention for its engaging STEM instruction, creative problem-solving activities, and commitment to preparing students for future careers through hands-on learning opportunities.
As El Paso ISD continues expanding STEM and STEAM opportunities across the district, these campuses now serve as models of innovation, creativity, and academic excellence for the entire region.