SIMCO Brings First Cal Ripken STEM Lab to New Mexico High School, Supporting Student Futures and Local Workforce Development

CARLSBAD, N.M. August 1, 2025 — Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO) is advancing its commitment to local education through a $40,000 grant which sponsors a state-of-the-art Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM Lab at Carlsbad Early College High School (CECHS) — making it the first high school in New Mexico and only the second in the nation to receive this prestigious educational opportunity.

“We’re proud to invest in the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators right here in our community,” said Ken Harrawood, SIMCO President and Program Manager. “By supporting high-quality STEM programs, we’re helping prepare local students for high-skill careers throughout the Permian Basin and laying the groundwork for long-term community success. As the management and operations contractor for the Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, SIMCO sees firsthand how generational employment strengthens families and builds stronger communities.”

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM Lab will provide CECHS students with access to hands-on, project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — areas critical to both personal achievement and regional economic growth. With test scores already exceeding state and national averages, CECHS is poised to use the new lab to further enrich its rigorous academic programs.

“SIMCO’s support of the Cal Ripken Foundation reflects our ongoing investment in local education and student success,” said Dr. Joy James Foster, SIMCO Education Outreach Lead. “We’re honored to partner with Carlsbad Early College High School — a standout institution whose goals perfectly align with the mission of the STEM Lab initiative.”

CECHS Principal Stacy Verdin expressed enthusiasm for the lab’s potential. “We are incredibly honored to be selected for this opportunity,” Verdin said. “This lab will inspire curiosity, boost student engagement, and provide meaningful, real-world experiences in STEM. It’s a powerful tool for equipping our students with the knowledge and confidence to pursue bright futures.”

Founded in 2001 by baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr. and his brother Bill, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation initially focused on youth development through sports and mentorship. The organization has since expanded to include national STEM education initiatives, creating over 740 STEM centers that now serve more than 314,000 students across the U.S.

In 2024 alone, the Foundation supported over 1.4 million underserved youth through its youth mentoring programs, STEM labs, and development parks — including 23 facilities dedicated to children with special needs. These efforts are made possible by more than 35,000 trainedmentors, coaches, educators, and volunteers.

By partnering with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, SIMCO is helping expand access to cutting-edge STEM resources and ensuring Carlsbad students are prepared for careers in tomorrow’s workforce — while also strengthening the community through educational equity and opportunity.