The TechUp! New Mexico initiative is officially underway. DiverseIT began its first laptop distribution events in Doña Ana County, bringing technology and training directly to community members in Mesilla and Las Cruces. These first events marked an important step in expanding digital access through the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) TechUp! New Mexico pilot project.
Kick Off Event in Mesilla: Connecting with Seniors
On February 26, 2026, DiverseIT hosted its first event at the Mesilla Community Center. The event was organized in partnership with Adelante’s Senior Meals & Transportation program. As a result, many of the participants were older adults who regularly gather at the Mesilla center for meals and community.
For many, this was their first time receiving a reliable computer of their own.
One participant shared that she planned to start an Etsy business to create extra income in her retirement years. Another recipient, a young woman who had just begun classes at New Mexico State University, attended after hearing about the event from her grandmother. She had been borrowing a computer to complete her schoolwork and was excited to now have one of her own.
In total, 41 laptops were distributed during the Mesilla event.
Continuing in Las Cruces at DACC
The following day, on February 27, 2026, the DiverseIT team hosted a second event at Doña Ana Community College (DACC) in Las Cruces. This event reached additional community members and continued building momentum for the TechUp! New Mexico rollout.
During the DACC event, DiverseIT Vice President Jill Beets also had the opportunity to present at the Abierta Summit. The summit was an event focused on digital equity across New Mexico and hosted by OBAE. The summit brought together leaders and organizations working to expand access to technology statewide. It was fitting having the TechUp! New Mexico kick off the same week as the summit. Both align and highlighted OBAE’s important work on digital equity across the state.
At the DACC distribution event, 24 laptops were provided to participants. Not surprisingly, several people mentioned the computers would be used for college studies. However, there were a few participants with different goals. One was a cleaning staff member at the school. She signed up because she had always wanted to learn how to use computers but never had the chance. DiverseIT was honored to provide her first device and she looks forward to the training the program will provide.
Building Momentum for TechUp! New Mexico
These first events in Doña Ana County highlight the heart of the TechUp! New Mexico initiative: meeting people where they are and connecting them with tools that support education, work, and everyday life.
From seniors exploring new sources of income to college students gaining reliable access for school, each story reflects the impact of expanding digital access across New Mexico.
DiverseIT will continue traveling to communities throughout the state. This work helps ensure more New Mexicans have access to the technology and training they need to succeed.