NMHED News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Higher Education Department joined staff from the federal congressional delegation earlier this year, along with state and national partners, to highlight the impact of adult education programs and the need for continued federal funding in New Mexico.
Federal funding cuts threaten to grievously harm New Mexico’s adult education programs, putting the state’s 26 adult education and 18 adult literacy programs at risk and endangering key educational opportunities for thousands of learners whose participation in these programs helps to grow New Mexico’s workforce and build better futures for New Mexico families.
The various gatherings at U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich’s Albuquerque offices, Santa Fe Community College and the state Capitol brought together Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, Higher Education Deputy Secretary Patricia Trujillo, Adult Education Director Amber Gallup and Sharon Bonney, Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition on Adult Basic Education, as well as staffers from New Mexico’s congressional offices, and adult education student leaders. Throughout the visits, the delegation reinforced their support for funding of federal programs that support adult education.
“I was honored to have the opportunity to meet with Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales and Sharon Bonney, giving them awareness on how important adult education is by telling them a short part of our stories and communicating the gratitude of hard-working citizens,” student Victoria Montoya said. “Thank you again for giving me hope to become a senator in the future. You can be who you want to be. Just work hard to get where you want and need to be.”
“New Mexico is proving that there is no wrong door to higher education — from cradle to career, we are building pathways that lead to opportunity and success,” said Higher Education Deputy Secretary Patricia Trujillo, Ph.D. “Our strong outcomes are only possible through continued across-the-board support from federal to state to local levels, and bringing together our state leaders and national partners can serve as a reminder of just how critical that investment is for New Mexicans, our workforce and our communities.”
Policy discussions centered on how adult education provides New Mexicans with opportunities for literacy, high school equivalency, English language learning and career training that lead directly to improved higher education and workforce opportunities.
As one example, Santa Fe Community College’s Integrated Education and Training program in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair enables students to earn their high school equivalency, an industry-recognized certificate, and 19 college credits toward an Automotive Technologies associate’s degree—all of which serve to build in-demand skills and prepare learners for family-sustaining careers.
“Adult education is the gateway to opportunity,” said Sharon Bonney of the Coalition on Adult Basic Education. “Every dollar invested in these programs empowers learners to improve literacy, earn their high school equivalency, gain English skills, and acquire the training needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Federal support is not just funding—it’s a lifeline for thousands of New Mexicans striving to build better futures for themselves and their families.”
For more information about adult education in New Mexico, visit hed.nm.gov.