U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., recently underscored his efforts in Congress to secure $1 million in Congressionally Directed Spending on a visit to Clovis Community College. This funding aims to extend the College's Allied Health Program, incorporating additional sought-after health professions, addressing the healthcare provider scarcity in New Mexico and providing students with expanded prospects, according to an Aug. 21 news release.
"Together, we’re working to address the health care provider shortage to keep our communities safe and healthy while investing in our future," Heinrich said in the release.
Heinrich also elaborated on his bipartisan Apprenticeship Pathways Act. The legislation is specially designed to address the demand for apprenticeship programs in areas such as the building trades, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications and early childhood education, the release reported.
Unveiled in June, the legislative proposal aims to establish avenues for high school students to pursue careers by broadening their entry to apprenticeship programs within New Mexico, the release said.
“If we want to set the next generation up for success here in Eastern New Mexico, we need to go all in on expanding access to workforce training programs and apprenticeships. Clovis Community College is already doing that work, and I’m proud to see how federal funds I secured are bolstering these efforts,” Heinrich said in the release.
Furthermore, Heinrich supports the TRIO Student Support Services program at Clovis Community College which aims to provide resources to low-income students and those with disabilities through federal funds. Funds exceeding $1 million were also secured by the senator to facilitate the expansion of Clovis Community College's Allied Health Program in the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Agreement, the release said.
"Senator Heinrich has long been a champion of efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities in New Mexico, particularly for students at Clovis Community College, and solutions to address the health care provider shortage in Eastern New Mexico," the release reported.