10/01/2025
Our Executive Director, Aaron Casillas, has been named a 2026 AARP Purpose Prize winner.
When Aaron and his wife moved to Las Cruces in 2022, they saw families struggling without internet access—students unable to complete homework, parents unable to apply for jobs, and neighborhoods cut off from essential services. What started as “maybe I can help” became a movement.
Through our NET Framework—network infrastructure, digital literacy education, and access to advanced technologies like AI—we’ve helped over 150 residents in Las Cruces and are expanding to provide free broadband to 600+ student households in Luna County.
This recognition includes a $75,000 award and a year of technical support—fuel to scale our work across New Mexico and reach more families who deserve digital opportunity.
This achievement belongs to everyone who believed:
• Our tireless team bridging digital divides
• Partners: Internet Society Foundation, Microsoft TechSpark, Electronic Caregiver, New Mexico Office of Broadband Access & Expansion and the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico
• Most importantly, the families and communities who trusted us
The digital divide isn’t just about technology—it’s about opportunity, dignity, and ensuring no one is left behind.
Read Aaron’s story and our work:
• https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/purpose-prize/winners/aaron-casillas/