Northern NM R.O.C Foundation

Northern NM R.O.C. Foundation (Recreation, Outdoors, and Conservation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Chama, New Mexico, dedicated to expanding opportunities for rural youth through outdoor recreation, conservation, literacy, STEAM education, and community leadership. Our mission is to remove barriers that prevent young people from accessing meaningful educational and outdoor experiences while strengthening the cultural, environmental, and economic vitality of Northern New Mexico. Founded to address the unique challenges facing rural communities, the Foundation works in partnership with schools, tribal and acequia/land grant communities, conservation organizations, local governments, and businesses to create place-based programs that connect youth with the land, water, and traditions that define our region. Our work integrates environmental stewardship, outdoor adventure, career exploration, leadership development, and cultural heritage into engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Our primary funding comes from grants, corporate and foundation partnerships, local business sponsorships, and individual donors. Recent accomplishments include expanding the New Mexico PED Summer Reading Program to three communities, launching after-school STEAM and outdoor learning opportunities, developing youth conservation and Acequia stewardship initiatives, hosting community engagement events, and building partnerships with organizations including the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation, Chama Peak Land Alliance, Transform Education New Mexico, NMOST, and numerous local schools and community organizations. The Northern NM R.O.C. Foundation is committed to ensuring that every child in Northern New Mexico has equitable access to the outdoors, quality educational opportunities, and the resources needed to thrive as the next generation of community leaders.