In a new initiative, high school students in New Mexico experiencing homelessness will receive $500 monthly payments if they meet certain attendance and academic criteria. This program, launched by the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED), aims to support 330 students from grades 10 to 12 across 12 school districts and one charter school.
The pilot program is funded by the state legislature at $2.1 million annually for three years. To qualify for the payments, students must maintain a 92% monthly attendance rate, complete all their schoolwork, attend three academic support sessions each week, and meet with counselors for additional services starting in December.
Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla emphasized the importance of this initiative: "This program recognizes the real challenges homeless students face and gives them stability to graduate and pursue their dreams." The effort builds on a previous pilot by New Mexico Appleseed that saw a graduation rate of 93% among its participants, significantly higher than the average for homeless students statewide.
Jennifer Ramo, executive director of New Mexico Appleseed, highlighted the impact of education on breaking cycles of poverty: "A diploma changes everything — it's the difference between perpetuating poverty and breaking free from it." The pilot program targets diverse communities including urban, rural, and tribal areas and aligns with equity efforts outlined in the Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan.
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