New Mexico Higher Education Department achieves remarkable milestones in 2023

Investing in university research and innovation 

The Higher Education Department allocated $14.3 million in funds from the Technology Enhancement Fund to support research projects in medicine, education, agriculture, transportation engineering, and other crucial areas. Four New Mexico public universities and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center are recipients of this funding. 

Debt relief for New Mexico educators

Over 400 working teachers New Mexico were granted student debt relief, totaling $4.9 million. This initiative targeted teachers with an average debt of $48,000, providing essential financial support to those shaping the future of education in the state. 

Record outcomes for adult education programs

Adult education programs in New Mexico witnessed an 11% statewide enrollment increase, achieving remarkable outcomes in learning gains, credential attainment, and employment. High School Equivalency (HSE) completions increased by 17%, with the Corrections program doubling their completions, surpassing the LFC’s target by over 20%. 

Investing in faculty and research 

The Higher Education Department awarded $1.6 million in endowment funds to enhance research and establish endowed chairs in critical areas such as agriculture and water conservation, skilled workforce development, and STEM fields. 

Accelerating college completion 

New Mexico, in collaboration with 10 public colleges and universities, joined Complete College America’s College Accelerator Initiative. This initiative, spanning four years, aims to implement research-based practices to significantly increase college completion rates statewide. 

Continuing support for college food security 

The department launched the first statewide college basic needs study in partnership with UNM’s Basic Needs Project. Surveying over 15,000 students, faculty, and staff across 27 public colleges and universities, the initiative secured $1 million for college food projects through Gov. Lujan Grisham’s food initiative. 

Bolstering STEM and social work career pipelines 

In a commitment to fostering academic excellence, the department disbursed $10 million in scholarships for graduate students in STEM fields and $15 million for social work students. A total of 4,334 New Mexico students statewide benefited from these scholarship programs. 

Delivering college and career readiness programs to middle and high school students  

The federally funded GEAR UP program, administered by NMHED, facilitated over 1,000 students in visiting 16 college campuses and career training centers. Additionally, 71.6% of participating students engaged in GEAR UP workshops focusing on careers, SAT success, and community service. The program also hosted its first-ever Native American college and career readiness conference this spring.