The New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) has reported the highest number of high school equivalency (HSE) graduates in the state for the third year in a row. In Fiscal Year 2025, NMCD exceeded the Legislative Finance Committee’s target, leading adult education outcomes in New Mexico.
"A high school education is essential for securing gainful employment and reducing recidivism," said NMCD Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero. She credited the success to the Reentry Division staff, educators, facility teams, and leadership from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. The department also partnered with the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
The number of HSE credentials awarded were as follows: 266 graduates in FY25 against a target of 165, 236 graduates in FY24, and 184 graduates in FY23.
"The New Mexico Higher Education Department is dedicated to empowering every student, regardless of their educational journey," said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. She praised the graduates' hard work and perseverance.
In addition to HSE achievements, NMCD inmates earned 51 post-secondary degrees and certificates during Fiscal Year 2025. This included 25 associate degrees, five bachelor’s degrees, one master’s degree, and 20 vocational certificates.
Information from this article can be found here.
