Los Alamos Middle School students taking an Advanced Engineering class work on a building an accessibility ramp as part of a service project with Mesa-to-Mesa. Photo Courtesy LAPS
Students lift the frame of an accessibility ramp they are building for Mesa-to-Mesa. Photo Courtesy LAPS
LAPS NEWS RELEASE
Seventeen Los Alamos Middle School students from Dr. Brent Collom’s Advanced Engineering classes recently completed a service project with the non- profit, Mesa-to-Mesa. They built several accessibility ramps, an activity that brought together hands-on, project-based, and service learning.
At Mesa-to-Mesa’s shop in Española, students learned about the organization’s mission providing accessibility ramps and minor home repairs. According to Mesa-to-Mesa’s John Bulthuis, “These services are important for allowing elders to remain in their own homes as well as for those with disabilities.” Since Mesa-to-Mesa does not charge for its services, it relies on donations, grants, and volunteers to do the work.
“The ramps you built today will soon be installed in the home of someone nearby,” Mr. Bulthuis told the students.
As part of the project, students studied math lessons, such as how slope is used in the real world. They also learned about various tools and practiced using them safely. Additionally, students learned to plan out cuts for the project to minimize waste, and they demonstrated great teamwork skills.
This blending of academic and soft skills is the heart of Career Technical Education (CTE). The LAMS students were joined for this project by Los Alamos High School’s Building Trades teacher Jim Steritz. Many students commented on the positive experience.
“It was cool to use the engineering skills we learned in class to help people in the community,” said 8th grader Cassie. Another student, Tim, noted, “I liked learning how to safely use the saws and drills. It felt good knowing that this ramp will really help someone.”
Dr. Collom has a history of pushing his students’ learning out into the community through numerous service projects and partnerships with local government and businesses. Bringing together academic learning, practical application, and service makes education more meaningful for his students.
“This project goes beyond the classroom, giving students tangible skills and a deep understanding of their role in supporting their neighbors,” Dr. Collom stated.
The project also highlights equity by serving those in the community who might lack the resources or physical capability to make necessary home modifications. For the students, working side-by-side on a tangible project fostered a collaborative environment, creating a space for diverse learning styles and backgrounds to contribute.
“Projects such as this allow students to shine with gifts we don’t always see in the classroom,” noted Mr. Steritz.
This service project is closely aligned with the Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) mission to provide a high-quality education that prepares all students for success. The Mesa-to-Mesa project embodies the core values of LAPS by integrating rigorous academic content (engineering and math principles) with practical, real-world application. Furthermore, the emphasis on community service supports the district’s goal of fostering responsible, engaged citizens. By participating, students not only deepen their understanding of technical skills but also develop empathy and a sense of social responsibility, critical components of the LAPS educational philosophy.