New Mexico State University has announced the creation of the Aggie Launch Pad initiative – a program to provide first-time freshmen at NMSU’s Las Cruces campus with digital literacy training, as well as an iPad bundle, to help aid in student success beginning in the fall 2021 semester.
“This represents an investment in our students and our commitment to provide the tools necessary for them to achieve a bright future,” said Renay Scott, NMSU’s vice president for Student Success. “We understand that not every student arrives on our campus with the resources and expertise needed to operate in an increasingly digital world. The Aggie Launch Pad initiative will address those issues.”
The digital literacy course is offered through NMSU’s First Year Experience programming. It has targeted learning outcomes and is designed to provide students with the framework for exploring and organizing their digital academic and social experience.
NMSU worked directly with Apple to secure 2,200 iPad bundles. The bundles include an iPad, Logitech Rugged Combo 3 keyboard case and an Apple Pencil. The devices will be provided free-of-charge to each freshman entering NMSU this fall. Other, non-freshmen at NMSU will also have an opportunity to purchase iPad bundles using their financial aid packages. Follett, the company that operates the NMSU bookstore, has also created payment structures to allow all NMSU students to take advantage of the same products delivered to freshmen as part of Aggie Launch Pad.
“We want to ensure this program builds a solid foundation for our students,” Scott said. “It is about making training and workshops available for students so they can learn how to use an iPad to improve their time management, notetaking skills, set and track health and wellness goals, learn coding and access valuable digital content more conveniently.”
The Aggie Launch Pad initiative directly corresponds to Goal 1 of NMSU LEADS 2025, the university’s strategic plan. That goal is designed to enhance student success and social mobility at NMSU through a commitment to learning, degree completion and career attainment.
For more information, visit https://launchpad.nmsu.edu or call Aggie One-Stop at 575-646-6678.