Explora is a learning place for people of all races, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds; family, caregivers, peers, and colleagues are essential partners in learning. Explora advocates for lifelong, materials-rich inquiry, while acknowledging that it isn’t always easy. We value curiosity, hands-on trial and error, and the agency and growth that comes with both failing and succeeding.

Explora’s essential value derives from our relevance to our communities, connection to everyday lives, and role as a trusted community resource. We value diversity, in all its forms, as a source of strength; a diverse board, staff, and membership are critical to Explora’s effectiveness. We value listening to our community and understand that Explora is stronger when working in partnership with others toward common goals, like helping New Mexico achieve racial equity in STEAM by creating opportunities for people of color and others who have been excluded from STEAM courses and careers.

We recognize power in Explora’s ability to be nimble and adapt to change, and we provide staff and visitors freedom to think outside the box. We experiment and try things, even if they aren’t perfect, and value creativity and innovation. We push boundaries, bend edges, and try on new roles, in order to best accomplish Explora’s mission and serve our community. Organizational and financial health, along with sustainable practices, allows us to pursue new ideas, be responsive to the needs of our community, and contribute solutions to community-defined problems.

Explora identifies our staff and volunteers as our greatest resources, and we invest in their work and growth. We are motivated by hard work and positive collaboration to affect change in New Mexico. We believe in inclusive planning and iterate based on feedback from staff and visitors. Explora practices and cultivates generosity through listening, respect, and the sharing of time, ideas, resources, and access.