Northern New Mexico College

1. The first Hispanic-Serving Institution in the United States — founded 1909, before HSI was even an official designation

2. El Rito campus powers the entire surrounding community with 100% daytime solar energy via a 1.5 megawatt array — working toward 24/7 renewable power with battery backup

3. NNMC engineering students are currently developing a glove that sends electrical impulses to alleviate Parkinson's disease symptoms — featured on KRQE News, March 2026

4. One of the only colleges in the nation offering a Radiation Protection program in direct partnership with a national laboratory — preparing students for careers at Los Alamos and beyond  (approved)