PRESS RELEASE: State awarded national grant to expand dual enrollment access
PRESS RELEASE
Contacts: Auriella Ortiz Janelle Taylor García, Ph.D.
Auriella.Ortiz@hed.nm.gov janelle.garcia @ped.nm.gov
(505) 467-9605 (505)709-5543
August 8, 2025
State awarded national grant to expand dual enrollment access
SANTA FE – New Mexico has been selected as one of seven states to receive a College in High School Alliance (CHSA) grant aimed at expanding dual enrollment opportunities for high school students, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department and Public Education Department will collaborate with national experts to create action plans aimed at improving dual enrollment policies and expanding access to college courses for high school students.
The initiative focuses on three key goals: setting a statewide vision for dual enrollment, expanding dual enrollment access, and creating intentional dual enrollment experiences with structured pathways toward college credentials.
To support the effort, statewide meetings will be held in the fall of 2025 to gather input from dual credit program stakeholders on closing access gaps for New Mexico’s rural and low-income students.
“New Mexico’s Dual Credit Program is a powerful tool for student success — it allows students to engage in higher education and prepare for the state’s workforce early on,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “This national recognition and partnership will help us expand opportunities for students to earn high school and college credits, earn credentials, and build confidence in their future career aspirations here in New Mexico.”
“Dual credit is one of the most powerful tools we have to prepare students for success beyond high school,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla . “By earning college credit while still in high school, our students gain confidence, reduce the cost of a degree and get a real head start on their futures."
The College in High School Alliance is a group of organizations working together to improve policies and support programs. These programs help high school students enroll in affordable college pathways leading to degrees and certificates, with necessary support.
New Mexico’s Dual Credit Program is guided by strong collaborative efforts between NMHED, NMPED, local districts and charters, and higher education institutions through the New Mexico Dual Credit Council. The program includes access to both academic and career and technical education courses, delivering simultaneous credit toward high school graduation, as well as a postsecondary degree or certificate.
For more information about the New Mexico Dual Credit Program, visit hed.nm.gov .
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The New Mexico Higher Education Department was established in 2005 and oversees the state’s public and tribal colleges, universities and special schools. It also oversees adult education and literacy programs statewide, manages state-funded financial aid programs and capital projects for higher education institutions, provides college readiness services via the GEAR UP program, and grants state authorization to private colleges operating within New Mexico. For more information, visit hed.nm.gov or follow us on Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn at @NMHigherEd. To learn more about tuition-free college via New Mexico’s Opportunity and Lottery scholarships, visit reachhighernm.com .
The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities and families to ensure that all students are healthy, secure in their identity and holistically prepared for college, career and life. Currently, the NMPED serves about 320,000 students in 189 districts and charter schools. Find an abundance of resources for administrators, educators, families and students at
New Mexico Public Education Department (ped.nm.gov) or follow the NMPED on Facebook and Instagram .