Unfortunately, much of this talent has been forced to leave the state due to the lack of job opportunities. New Mexico's isolation makes it difficult to provide opportunity and entrance into the information technology world. Educational and economic initiatives are therefore needed to bring together its two great strengths, arts and technology, in an environment that will result in innovation and a sustainable industrial base.

New Mexico is a largely rural state with many. With a grant from the National Science Foundation, the University of New Mexico has joined with government and private entities to establish Digital Pueblos that will foster innovation and economic development in the digital arts and sciences industry.

Technology, Resources and Infrastructure

Key to the program is creating an infrastructure of state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, education and hands-on training opportunities, and the connectivity to enable the community to meet and collaborate.

The Digital Pueblo Project will create Technology Pods to provide the resources, training, and mentors for students. The pods will be equipped with computing resources and connections to large servers and computers at the UNM and other centers, graphics software and hardware, and resource and knowledge bases for training.

The T-Pods will serve as meeting places for students, mentors, and trainers to collaborate and work over the Access Grid. Each of the pods will recruit students from "8 to 80" interested in learning and pursuing careers and give them an opportunity to work on projects directly related to the industry.

T-Pod projects and learning sessions will be directed and guided by mentors who come from regional industry, from the universities and colleges, and other partners. Mentors will work alongside artists and scientists, identify areas of expertise, and develop learning paths with students and facilitate relationships with industry in order to bring projects to the Digital Pueblo.