First electrical vocational program cohort graduates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Brittany Roembach
Public Information Officer, Corrections Department
Brittany.roembach@cd.nm.gov
505-382- 3541
First electrical vocational program cohort graduates
Ten students at the state penitentiary complete the program
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Corrections Department celebrates the graduation of the first cohort of students from a new electrical theory certification program at the Penitentiary of New Mexico.
Ten students completed the nine-week program, which introduces the fundamentals of electrical work and creates a pathway toward advanced certification or an associate degree. The training aims to prepare participants for high-demand careers after release.
“This program reflects what is possible when people show up for one another,” said Corrections Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero. “I am grateful to our dedicated staff, whose commitment makes opportunities like this real, and to our community partners, New Mexico Department of Higher Education Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez and Northern New Mexico College President Hector Balderas, for their leadership and support. Most of all, I am proud of the participants who chose to invest in themselves. Their hard work has earned them real skills and a stronger foundation to carry home to their communities.”
The program is taught by faculty from Northern New Mexico College and funded by the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
"We often say there is no wrong door to higher education in New Mexico, and this program is a perfect example of what that means," said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. "By providing this essential funding, we are able to support programs that help students thrive in family-sustaining career pathways. It’s never too late to change pathways and choose a bright new future for yourself, your family and your community. Our mission at the New Mexico Higher Education Department is to make that opportunity available to every New Mexican who wants it.”
“We are proud to participate in this transformative initiative that benefits our entire community by linking higher education to life-changing public safety efforts,” said Northern New Mexico College President Hector Balderas. “We appreciate Secretary Tafoya Lucero and Secretary Rodriguez for their partnership, and we are eager to expand similar higher education opportunities for all New Mexicans.”
Media Advisory:
Media are invited to attend the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, February 11, at 1:00 p.m. at the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe. RSVP in advance with Public Information Officer Brittany Roembach at brittany.roembach@cd.nm.gov .
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The New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) is one of the largest state agencies in New Mexico. NMCD staff and volunteers are committed to delivering evidence-based programs across correctional facilities and community supervision settings to support rehabilitation. Through these programs and services, NMCD works to improve outcomes for justice-involved individuals and strengthen public safety statewide.