The NMSU Extension and Research Youth Agricultural Science Center (YASC)

New Greenhouse Winter 2019
The new greenhouse at Sierra Vista Elementary in Las Vegas, NM

About YASC

The NMSU Extension and Research Youth Agricultural Science Center (YASC) is a youth science center emphasizing inquiry-based learning and experiential education. A basic premise of the mission is to develop a teaching and learning model of excellence for agriculture and natural resource science that complements in-class instruction by providing context to content through hands-on learning opportunities. The YASC is engaged in earth, life and physical science teaching and learning. STEM-based education is delivered through teaching the principles and applications of sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and local food systems. Center facilities include: an 2,400 sq. ft. teaching greenhouse, raised bed gardens, and science lab. The YASC was founded in 2005 through a special legislative appropriation and is administered through the NMSU's College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Science. This program was previously called the Memorial Middle School Agricultural Extension and Education Center (MMSAEEC).