Latest news with #StephanieM.Rodriguez
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Mexico touts rising higher education enrollment
New Mexico Higher Education officials on May 27, 2025 reported the second year of growth for public college and university enrollment in the state. College enrollment in New Mexico had a 4.2% increase this spring compared with 2024, reflecting the second consecutive year of growth, the state Higher Education Department announced on Tuesday. HED says more than 5,000 additional students are attending higher education institutions across the state, growth officials attribute to the state's Opportunity and Lottery scholarships. According to the state, close to 30 two-year and four-year higher education institutions participate in the Opportunity Scholarship program, which covers fees and program costs for certificate and degree programs for New Mexico residents who plan to enroll in at least six credit hours at one of the state's public college or universities. The Legislature approved the Opportunity Scholarship, which Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham championed, in 2022. Eligible residents for the state's Lottery Scholarship must be enrolled full time in a New Mexico public college or university within 16 months of graduation and maintain a 2.5 grade point average. The state in 2021 restored the Lottery Scholarship to provide 100% of tuition, following reduced coverage implemented in 2016. Last year, the governor signed Senate Bill 159, which created a close to $1 billion trust fund and scholarship program fund for the state's tuition-free programs. According to NMHED, more than 34,000 students are receiving financial assistance through the Opportunity Scholarship and close to 10,000 students received Lottery scholarships during the spring semester. '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,' Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez said in a statement. '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.' In a recent interview with Source NM, Lujan Grisham cited the state's investment in both early childhood and higher education as accomplishments from her tenure as governor. 'No state in the nation has our cradle to career system,' she said.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NMHED: Apps for health care worker loan forgiveness plan closes May 15
New Mexico health care professionals have until 5 p.m. to apply for a state loan forgiveness program Health care professionals in New Mexico have through May 15 to apply for up to $25,000 in loan forgiveness if they commit to working in underserved counties of New Mexico for at three years. The Health Professional Loan Repayment Program opened applications on March 15 and extended the deadline to May 15, the department announced on Wednesday. 'We are determined to support members of critical workforces throughout our state, and there is perhaps no more critical workforce than health care professionals,' Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez said in a statement. 'With the unwavering support of the governor and the ongoing commitment of the Legislature, we will continue to make New Mexico a more attractive place for workers — while supporting the needs and well-being of communities throughout our state.' The program applies to more than 25 occupations, including ones in the allied, mental and dental health fields, according to an HED news release, has grown significantly and has awarded aid to 1,269 applicants. More information, including how to apply, can be found online. New Mexico has a notable shortage of health care professionals, as a recent Think New Mexico report detailed. For instance, between 2017– 2021, New Mexico lost 30% of its primary care providers — a total of 711 doctors — according to the 2023 annual report of New Mexico Health Care Workforce Committee. That committee also found that the number of obstetrician -gynecologists practicing in the state dropped by 22% during the same time period, and the numbers of registered nurses, dentists, psychiatrists, EMTs,and pharmacists also declined sharply, Think New Mexico noted.
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.
