Education in New Mexico
Education is the first step for people to gain the knowledge, critical thinking, empowerment and skills they need to make New Mexico a better place.
Early Childhood Education
We’re working hard to ensure that all New Mexican families and young children have equitable access to high-quality early childhood opportunities.
Public Education
New Mexico parents have big hopes and dreams for their children, but sometimes it can be hard to find the right path. This guide has resources to help you understand how to help your child succeed in school, and much more.
Higher Education
We strive to foster a system of higher education that best meets the needs of people in our state.
Educators
Our educators work hard to ensure that ALL students are healthy, secure in their identity, and holistically prepared for college, career, and life.
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Licensure (PED)
The new Online Licensure Portal for the New Mexico Public Education Department is now available. You can apply, pay and track your application status online.
NM Black DataHub
Statistics on Chronic Disease Rates in African American Communities in NM, Economic Indicators in the New Mexican - African American Community, Education in African American Communities in New Mexico, and Education in African American Communities in New Mexico.
NM Black Expo
The New Mexico Black Expo (NMBE) celebrates the history and legacy of the Black cultural experience while providing resources in the areas of economics, education, healthcare and advocacy to improve the quality of life in the African American community. NMBE has served the Albuquerque community since 2003. The expo has grown to become the largest African-American tradeshow in the state.
Re-Educated Podcast
Podcast Overview
To educate the community on environmental, social, and physical inequities and challenges that the Black communities have to deal with, and what can be done to empower the Black community to help them navigate through the understanding of legislation and policy on a micro/ macro level.
Cultural Equity with Native Nations
The State-Tribal Collaboration Act mandated training is all new for FY20! Formerly known as “Cultural Competency,” the course is now titled “Building Cultural Equity with Native Nations,” and it is open for enrollment on the ELM system.
Indigenous Youth Council
The Indigenous Youth Council (IYC) was formed in February 2021 following two listening sessions that the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD) held with tribal youth from across the state. Issues discussed ranged from the desire to have access to higher education resources to behavioral and mental health needs for tribal communities. Participants also voiced the desire to have more intertribal connections between the Nations, Tribes, and Pueblos in the state.
Scholarships & Financial Aid Programs
With the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship, and more than 25 scholarships, grants, and college financial aid programs available, there are options for every New Mexican to pursue higher education without having to worry about the cost of tuition and fees. Explore below to learn more!
Find a College or University
Find information on:
- NM College Guide -- All Public & Tribal Schools (flipbook)
- NM Four-Year Public Colleges and Universities
- NM Two-Year Public Community Colleges
- NM Tribal Schools and Universities
- NM Special Schools
- Map of Public New Mexico Colleges & Universities
- NM Private Colleges
Adult Education and Literacy Programs
The Adult Education Division at the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) exists to support adults to strengthen their core academic skills and meet their personal, educational, and career goals. We offer adults a range of opportunities, and all of them are free!
GEAR UP College Readiness Program
Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) New Mexico is a seven-year initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Closed School Transcript Requests
The Private Post-Secondary Schools Division at the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) maintains custodianship of transcripts from certain closed private post-secondary institutions who have operated a physical site in New Mexico.
Veterans Education/GI Bill Assistance
Our agency wants to ensure that every veteran or eligible person has a full and fair opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential through access to the GI Bill® approved post-secondary educational, training/ licensure, certification, entrepreneurial institutions, and New Mexico colleges and universities.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
The ADRC is here to assist elders, persons with disabilities and caregivers to find services and resources to help them live well and independently.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Do you have questions or concerns about private and government benefit programs? The ADRC’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) helps with all health insurance questions, including Medicare and Medicaid.
College and Career Readiness Bureau
The College and Career Readiness Bureau (CCRB) of the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) is dedicated to providing the students of our state with an educational foundation that takes them from primary school through secondary and postsecondary studies. This foundation encourages exploration and achievement in academic, career and technical education.
Community Schools
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham put together a plan for education in New Mexico. “A New Direction for New Mexico Schools” includes eleven (11) focus areas needed in order for New Mexico’s students to achieve their very best, including engaging families, communities and students as substantive partners. One way in which to engage families, communities, and students as essential partners in our public schools is through the implementation of the community schools model.
Assessments
Our mission is to positively impact student learning by ensuring the development and administration of valid and reliable assessments that:
- Measure the effectiveness of curriculum and instruction
- Include data systems and structures that provide students, teachers, administrators and stakeholders with the information needed to make informed decisions
- Produce a measure indicating progress towards readiness for college and career
- Uphold the belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels
- Hold schools and the PED accountable to create equitable opportunities for students
Options for Families (Charter Schools)
The Options for Parents & Families Division strives to ensure New Mexico parents and families have access to the information they need to make informed decisions for the education of their students.
Office of Archaeological Studies
The Office of Archaeological Studies conducts archaeological research projects throughout New Mexico with a diverse group of 40 - 50 archaeologists and support staff. Its mission is to identify, interpret, and share information about prehistoric and historic sites across the state.
Historic Preservation Division
Preserving New Mexico's historic treasures has enormous impacts on the social and economic well-being of New Mexicans. It is the foundation of the state's vigorous heritage tourism industry and builds healthier local communities.
New Mexico Arts
Its primary function is to provide financial support and technical assistance or arts services and programs to non-profit organizations statewide and to administer the 1% public art program for the state of New Mexico. Other programs include the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts, New Mexico Arts and Cultural Districts, New Mexico Arts Trails, and Poetry Out Loud.
New Mexico State Library
Since its beginnings more than 60 years ago, the State Library has been a leader in the development of New Mexico's public and tribal libraries, helping them to build the programs needed by their communities.
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Education Programs
From four-wheelers to dirt bikes to side-by-sides, OHVs are gaining in popularity. It is essential to properly register your vehicle, receive proper education and follow the rules and regulations across New Mexico when using OHVs. Always remember to recreate responsibly.
Wildlife Education Programs
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish offers a wide variety of programs to help the general public learn about wildlife species and recreational opportunities in our state. Find classes near you at the link below.
Wildlife Law Enforcement
A large part of managing New Mexico’s wildlife is enforcing laws to help conserve wildlife for future generations. New Mexico’s Conservation Officers work hard to educate people of all ages about the wildlife around them.
Outdoor Recreation Division
The Outdoor Recreation Division works to ensure that all New Mexicans gain from the public health, environmental, and economic benefits of sustainable outdoor recreation. The department is headed by Acting Director Alyssa Renwick.
New Mexico National Guard - State Education Benefits
Up to 100% Tuition & Fees. Can be used in conjunction with FTA. Associate's and Bachelor's level. Payment directly to school upon successful completion of course.
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