Latest news with #NewMexicoHigherEducationDepartment
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Applications open June 1 for New Mexico's ‘Teacher Loan Repayment Program'
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) — New Mexico teachers will be able to apply for up to $6,000 in student loan help starting on June 1. Last year, the 'Teacher Loan Repayment Program' helped over 800 teachers. This year, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham backed a $5 million funding increase for the program. Story continues below Crime: Albuquerque business owner faces murder charge for shooting fleeing shoplifter News: Las Vegas deputy charged with aggravated battery and robbery Business: A downtown Albuquerque shoe shine parlor is still serving patrons after nearly a century Events: What's happening around New Mexico May 30-June 5? Kirtland Air Fiesta and more 'The Teacher Loan Repayment Program is a vital investment in our educators and their future. By alleviating the burden of student loan debt, we are showing our teachers that we value their dedication to New Mexico's students and communities,' said Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla. 'Since 2020, the program has provided debt relief to over 2,500 individuals, reflecting the state's commitment to attracting and retaining quality educators.' To be eligible, the teacher must be a US citizen, a New Mexico resident for 12 or more consecutive months, have a New Mexico teaching license, and have taught at least three years in the state. Priority is given to teachers in high-need positions, including those with endorsements and actively teaching in these areas: Bilingual education Early childhood education Special education Science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) Career technical education (CTE) In a low-performing school serving economically disadvantaged populations Awards from the program can be renewed for additional two-year cycles if the recipient continues fulfilling their teaching commitment. Teachers benefiting from the federal program can simultaneously benefit from this one as well. Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez had this to say about the program. 'The state's Teacher Loan Repayment Program works to alleviate the financial burden of student loan debt, allowing teachers to focus on what is most important – educating our children,' said Rodriguez. 'New Mexico is committed to helping educators by providing them with the support and respect they deserve as they teach the next generation of New Mexicans.' Program applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1. They can be completed electronically through the New Mexico Higher Education Department's website. Interested teachers can also email or call 1-800-279-9777. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New Mexico college enrollment increases for the second consecutive year
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexico's college enrollment has grown for the second consecutive year, increasing 4.2% from spring 2024 to spring 2025, according to the New Mexico Higher Education Department. With over 5,000 students currently pursuing degrees and certifications at New Mexico's higher education institutions, the department attributes the rising trend to the state's tuition-free college programs, like the Opportunity and Lottery scholarships. According to the department's estimates, over 34,000 students are receiving financial assistance through the Opportunity Scholarship, and around 10,000 students are receiving the Lottery Scholarship this spring. 21 students honored for graduating from PNM's Power Pros program 'The Opportunity and Lottery scholarships are fulfilling their goal of empowering tens of thousands of New Mexicans to pursue a college education at no cost for tuition and create a more prosperous future for themselves and their families,' said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. 'As we always say, there is no wrong door to higher education in New Mexico, and we are dedicated to supporting programs that broaden opportunities for our state.' To find out more about the Opportunity and Lottery scholarships, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Free high school equivalency tests coming soon in New Mexico
New Mexico will soon offer free high school equivalency tests to qualifying residents. (Getty Images) One hurdle to achieving a high school equivalency certificate will be removed next month when the New Mexico Higher Education Department starts providing free tests to qualifying residents. House Bill 167, sponsored by Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), requires the state department to waive test costs for New Mexico residents who are at least 16; are not enrolled in secondary school; do not have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; and who have passed an official practice test showing they are likely to pass the official test. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill on April 7, making New Mexico the fifth state in the country to offer residents free equivalency tests. The bill goes into effect on June 20. Auriella Ortiz, spokesperson for the Higher Education Department, told Source NM in a written statement that removing the 'financial burden' of tests is expected to increase test participation by 20% or more over the next three years. She added that the state has seen a nearly 50% increase in people taking high school equivalency tests since 2021. Tests can cost more than $145 dollars per test, including fees for the test itself as well as proctoring. 'The passage of House Bill 167 will have a huge impact for our residents and allow them a pathway to basic education and potentially a pathway to higher education at New Mexico's colleges and universities,' Ortiz wrote. 'This legislation removes obstacles that will positively impact tens of thousands of New Mexicans.' Ortiz explained that the department currently has an ad hoc voucher program to provide free tests to New Mexicans, but there are still some barriers present. She said New Mexicans who earn a high school diploma or equivalent credential earn $6,465 more annually than those without. 'We should note that, given the average increase in salary just mentioned, the free testing system will pay for itself each year in income tax alone. It's a win for the state,' Ortiz wrote. 'Just as we have invested in tuition-free college and a trained workforce, a program of free high school equivalency tests for all New Mexicans in need is part of our state's continued push for a strong economy.' Rio Rancho Public Schools Communications Director Wyndham Kemsley told Source NM in an email that while the district is not directly involved in high school equivalency testing, its officials are pleased that the state is expanding access to credentials. 'While the main priority of RRPS is to help our students attain high school diplomas through traditional routes, widening access to high school equivalency testing will undoubtedly benefit our state's workforce,' he wrote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Mexico becomes fifth state to offer free high school equivalency exams
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — The land of enchantment is set to become the fifth state to offer high school equivalency exams for free, the New Mexico Higher Education Department announced on Monday. The department expects this will boost the number of adults earning high school equivalency diplomas. House Bill 167 became law late last week. Residents can now expect to save about $145 if they're taking their high school equivalency exam. According to the New Mexico Higher Education Department, adults with either a high school diploma or equivalency earn an average of $6,500 more every year. Since 2021, the rate of New Mexico residents taking the test has increased by almost 50%. As the fees are removed, the department estimates there will be a 20% to 40% increase in test participation in the next three years. 'We are in the business of education and the New Mexico Higher Education Department is elated to offer free high school equivalency testing to New Mexicans who aspire to further their education but have faced financial barriers,' said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. 'Obtaining a high school equivalency can provide valuable opportunities for residents, and this legislation removes obstacles that will positively impact tens of thousands of New Mexicans.' You can find more information on adult education programs on the New Mexico Higher Education Department website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NMSU to increase student fees, housing costs beginning in fall
Mar. 17—The state's second-largest university system is raising student fees, citing a need to improve the quality of university-owned housing at its flagship campus and a desire to funnel more funding to student jobs and extracurricular programs. New Mexico State University students will see a 3% increase in general student fees, causing the cost per credit hour to jump from $59.18 to $60.96. Those who live on campus will also see a 3% jump in their housing bill. The board of regents approved both rate hikes at its March 10 meeting, and the increases will take effect at the beginning of the fall semester. "Although history has shown that some institutions choose to use enhanced state scholarships as an opportunity to hike tuition and fees, this is contrary to the spirit of our efforts in the higher education sector and diminishes the effectiveness of our scholarships," New Mexico Higher Education Department spokesperson Auriella Ortiz said in a statement. She added that the department is opposed in principle to "burdening students with increased tuition and fees." The increased fee, which is expected to bring in an additional $560,000, will help fund student jobs in tutoring, student government and Greek life, said Ala Alhalholy, president of the Associated Students of NMSU. Additionally, the university will use the 3% increase to fund more on-campus events, create a resource center for students with families, and fund five student firefighter and EMT positions. "For us to provide ample services to the students, there has to be some give and take," Alhalholy told the Journal Monday. "Our tuition is really low, and our fees are pretty low, but a lot of the stuff on campus, you see it, and it's not the best that it can be." The increased rate will provide a funding boost of nearly 67% to the school's cheerleaders, an infusion of almost 30% to the marching band's budget, and a 5% increase to the libraries, allowing them to extend their hours of operation. "We listened to the band and the cheerleaders, and for us, our goal this year was to make sure that we're funding things that are very student centric," Alhalholy said. When it comes to the cost of housing increasing, Chris Kinsley, NMSU's interim vice president of administration and finance, told the board of regents the university expects to generate $500,000 in revenue for the year from the increased housing costs, which will fund maintenance. "It's very important to keep up the quality of the facilities. We're seeing strong demand from returning students, which is, in my estimation, a very strong sign, because returning students are not required to live on campus," Kinsley said. According to the average rent in Las Cruces is roughly $974 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, still approximately $200 more than the monthly cost for a one-bedroom, university-owned apartment after the 3% increase.
