Las Cruces Community Radio (a tax-exempt 501 ( C )(3) organization) requests $5000 for Las Cruces In Space Radio Education Project, a 6-month project to expand coverage of local Space and STEM activities on KTAL-LP Radio, 101.5 FM in Las Cruces. Funds will be allocated for broadcast operations, program production, and publicity.
Las Cruces NM has a rich and important role in the evolution of space exploration in the United States, and the community has ongoing engagement with scientific research, STEM education at K-12 and university levels, and support for economic and commercial development opportunities. Yet even with this commitment, visibility for these efforts is fragmented.
KTAL-LP, a new, non-commercial, all-volunteer community radio station serving the Las Cruces area, already airs several science programs, both acquisitions and locally-based productions. We propose to strengthen these offerings by: 1) connecting these various programs and subjects; 2) expanding our existing local productions with more regular science topics, more interviews and more coverage of student activities both in K-12 classes and at university levels; 3) developing a focused outreach and marketing campaign to promote our broadcasts and support STEM projects. Outcomes will be greater public awareness of and appreciation for science education and research, and wider audience and support for KTAL Radio.
The Project will kick-off with an entire week of special programming as part of the Las Cruces Space Festival April 9-14, featuring interviews with local scientists and researchers; space ventures; students and teachers; and national scientists and educators.