PED News:

SANTA FE — High school students experiencing homelessness will receive $500 monthly payments for meeting attendance and academic requirements under a new state pilot program launching this month. 

The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) will enroll 330 students in grades 10–12 across 12 school districts and one charter school. The Legislature funded the three-year pilot $2.1 million annually. 

Students must maintain 92% monthly attendance, complete all schoolwork, attend three academic support sessions weekly and meet with counselors for wraparound services to qualify for payments starting in December.  

“This program recognizes the real challenges homeless students face and gives them stability to graduate and pursue their dreams,” Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla said.  

The program builds on a New Mexico Appleseed pilot that achieved a 93% graduation rate among participating students, compared to significantly lower rates for homeless students statewide.  

“A diploma changes everything — it’s the difference between perpetuating poverty and breaking free from it,” said Jennifer Ramo, executive director of New Mexico Appleseed, which will provide technical assistance. “We’re watching that transformation happen in real time.” 

The pilot targets urban, rural and tribal communities and aligns with equity efforts outlined in the Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan.