R4Creating: Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders in New Mexico

November 21, 2025

In the heart of Rio Rancho, R4Creating is transforming the future of STEM education through innovation and by empowering youth. Founded more than two decades ago by Dr. Shelly Gruenig, this nonprofit organization provides students across the state with hands-on opportunities to engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while preparing them for successful careers. R4Creating reached 5,000 students with technology programming last year alone. From robotics competitions to cutting-edge technology programming, R4Creating is fostering the joy of learning in STEM with young people across the state.

Building STEM Pathways for Success

R4Creating’s vision is simple yet powerful: provide every student in New Mexico with access to resources and opportunities in STEM. With this, they empower youth to move from Learners to Leaders, cultivating the skills necessary for future success. The organization hosts classes and after-school programs in Rio Rancho and collaborates with schools and libraries statewide, expanding the reach of their services. Programs serve learners as young as age six through high school and create internships where teens mentor younger participants.

One of R4Creating’s most impactful programs is their robotics initiative, which provides students with the equipment and training they need to design and compete with robots from other teams at the state, national and even international level. For younger students, the focus of the experience is on teamwork and problem solving, while high school participants tackle advanced concepts that prepare them for careers in fields such as engineering and design.

R4Creating staff member, Stevie Rae, is working with younger students in the STEAM Center of Excellence.

A Hub for Technological Innovation & Learning

Comcast is proud to support R4Creating’s mission by equipping its newly opened robotics hub and STEAM center in Rio Rancho as a Lift Zone, which is a designated area at community centers across the state providing free and reliable high-speed internet access. For many students, access to consistent internet connectivity is crucial to complete projects and prepare for competitions. Parents of children in the program can also take advantage of the Lift Zone to work remotely, making the space a resource beyond the classroom. “Comcast provides the access, and R4Creating provides the meaning behind it,” Dr. Gruenig explains.

The significance of these resources is particularly notable during R4Creating’s robotics competitions, where digital tools play a critical role in keeping scores, communicating updates to team members and the audience, along with supporting access for diverse participants. For example, a division of junior high students from the New Mexico School for the Deaf competed – and won – at the state level last year using sign language interpreters and technology like Google Translate.

Investing in Community Impact

Comcast’s support for R4Creating goes beyond connectivity. At the grand opening of their new center in Rio Rancho, Comcast announced a $30,000 donation to help expand programming and enhance their Lift Zone experience. This contribution builds on past support for R4Creating’s mission and emphasizes Comcast’s commitment to empowering youth through technology and education. The funding will help ensure that students and families continue to benefit from innovative STEAM learning opportunities in a space designed to foster creativity and career readiness.

R4Creating's recent Grand Opening into their new space was a huge success with nearly 200 attendees coming to experience all the different programs R4Creating offers. — R4Creating’s recent Grand Opening into their new space was a huge success with nearly 200 attendees coming to experience all the different programs R4Creating offers.

Success Stories That Inspire

Every day, R4Creating transforms the lives of students. For example, a young learner with ADHD and dyslexia found his passion in R4Creating’s robotics program. His aptitude for problem-solving led him to be recognized by the company SolidWorks as a “SolidWorks prodigy,” and he traveled to Boston to receive the award. Today, he mentors other students and works at Rocket Lab designing solar panels for satellites. He credits R4Creating as the primary reason for discovering and pursuing his passion.

Another unforgettable story involves R4Creating’s outreach in Cuba, New Mexico. In one weeklong program, a young girl living with her great-great-grandmother experienced her first robotics festival. By the program’s end, her family witnessed her newfound excitement and engagement with STEM, mentioning they couldn’t remember the last time they’d seen her that excited about learning.

Preparing for the Future

R4Creating impacts thousands of students each year, from statewide library partnerships to robotics events drawing competitors from both rural and urban areas. The upcoming state robotics competition for elementary and middle school students, coming up in late January 2026, marks another opportunity for students to showcase their talent and advance to global levels.

As R4Creating continues its journey, Comcast celebrates the organization’s achievements and supports their dedication to career readiness and digital inclusion. To learn more about Comcast partners or find a Lift Zone near you, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/company/impact/project-up.