NMCD surpasses high school equivalency goals for third year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Brittany Roembach
Public Information Officer, Corrections Department
Brittany.roembach@cd.nm.gov
505-382- 3541
August 14, 2025
NMCD surpasses high school equivalency goals for third year
SANTA FE – For the third consecutive year, the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) recorded the highest number of high school equivalency (HSE) graduates in the state in Fiscal Year 2025, surpassing the Legislative Finance Committee’s (LFC) target and continuing to lead New Mexico in adult education outcomes.
“A high school education is essential for securing gainful employment and reducing recidivism,” said NMCD Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero. “This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our Reentry Division staff, including our outstanding educators and facility teams. It would not have been possible without the strong leadership of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and our vital partnership with the New Mexico Higher Education Department.”
HSE Credentials Awarded:
FY25: 266 graduates (LFC target: 165)
FY24: 236 graduates
FY23: 184 graduates
“The New Mexico Higher Education Department is dedicated to empowering every student, regardless of their educational journey,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “Supporting opportunities that help New Mexicans achieve their goals and contribute to strengthening the community is what we are committed to in this state. I applaud the hard work and perseverance of these graduates, and I wish them all the best in the future.”
Additionally in Fiscal Year 2025, NMCD inmates were awarded 51 post-secondary degrees and certificates, including 25 associate degrees, five bachelor’s degrees, one master’s degree, and 20 vocational certificates.
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The New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) is one of the largest state departments in New Mexico. The department staff and volunteers are fully committed to integrating programs in its facilities for rehabilitation. It is through programs and services the department aims to improve outcomes for offenders and enhance public safety in communities. For more information, visit cd.nm.gov or follow NMCD
on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , X at @NMCDPIO.