EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - The Socorro Independent School District (SISD) will host a ceremony this week to honor Montwood High School for being the third school in the district to earn the National Certificate for STEM Excellence (NCSE) - Campus Certification from the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE). The ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at Montwood High School, 12000 Montwood Dr. The NCSE recognizes individual school campuses for "their commitment to and systematic support of teachers’ understanding and use of high-impact, evidence-based STEM instructional strategies," SISD said in a news release. SISD said Montwood High School is the third school in the district, and the first comprehensive high school in West Texas to achieve national STEM certification. Sierra Vista STEAM Academy earned the STEM Campus Certification in 2024, and Escontrias STEAM Academy received the honor in 2023, SISD said. SISD said Montwood High School is also the 50th campus in the state and the 16th high school in the nation to receive the designation. "Headquartered in Houston, Texas, NISE was conceived by seasoned, practicing educators and is based on thousands of hours of research, professional development, curriculum design, and educational leadership," read the news release. "Using an online platform and supported by a dedicated NISE STEM leadership coach, educators and instructional leaders work together to refine school operations and instruction to further strengthen STEM practices and the campus’ overall STEM culture." Additionally, as part of earning the NCSE - Campus Certification, nine Montwood High School teachers also earned the National Certificate for STEM Teaching (NCST). “This recognition highlights our commitment to fostering a high-quality STEM education, preparing students for future success,” SISD Interim Superintendent James P. Vasquez said. “This remarkable achievement reflects the outstanding dedication of the administrators and teachers at Montwood High School in promoting innovative STEM practices. SISD is proud to be at the forefront of STEM education, equipping our students with the skills needed to excel in the 21st century and beyond.”