Other News - July 2026
Lab strengthens partnerships at contractor conference
The Lab played a leading role at the 2026 Energy, Technology and Environmental Business Association (ETEBA) New Mexico Conference held at the Hilton Buffalo Thunder Resort in Pojoaque April 29-30, underscoring the Lab's commitment to strengthening contractor partnerships and expanding opportunities across the national security enterprise.
The two-day event featured a half day of Lab-focused programming centering on subcontracting opportunities, industry partnerships and emerging mission needs. The sessions brought together government leaders, large prime contractors and small businesses to discuss how collaboration helps the Laboratory and the other sites and facilities in the Department of Energy complex.
"Our ability to execute the Laboratory's mission depends on strong partnerships with our contractors and suppliers," said Scott Aeilts, associate Laboratory director for business services. "Our business partners bring innovation, agility and specialized expertise that are vital to mission success, and we are committed to strengthening relationships and expanding opportunities across our supplier network."
The Lab was a diamond sponsor for the conference. ETEBA is a nonprofit trade association that helps foster networking and business development opportunities with federal agencies and national laboratories for more than 250 companies and affiliate members that provide environmental, technology, engineering, construction and related services to government and commercial clients.
Northern New Mexico Youth Fund recognized by Department of Workforce Solutions for leadership and innovation
The Northern New Mexico Pathways to Opportunity Strategy Table has received the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions’ first-ever Future Ready Leader Innovation Award for its leadership in launching the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund. The award recognizes exceptional leadership in designing and implementing impactful workforce strategies that respond to industry needs and improve outcomes for job seekers. It highlights organizations that lead with vision, implement effective solutions, and create lasting change in workforce development.
Launched in 2025, the Youth Fund is the first initiative of its kind in New Mexico, combining investments from 21 philanthropic, corporate, and state agency partners (including Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Laboratory operator Triad National Security LLC) to create high-quality work-based learning and career training opportunities for young people ages 16–24 who are not currently employed or enrolled in school. These opportunities integrate mentorship, youth leadership development and transition support to help young people build pathways to long-term success.
In its first year of a three-year pilot, the Youth Fund has already awarded more than $1.85 million to 19 community-based organizations, tribal communities and school districts across predominantly rural Northern New Mexico, serving more than 800 young people by June 2026. The Strategy Table has raised over $3.2 million for the second-year grants. Its youth-led grants committee is currently renewing first-year grants and selecting additional grantees for its second year.
