Udall, Heinrich Announce $3.3 Million for Support Services at College Campuses across New Mexico

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced 13 grants totaling more than $3.3 million to fund the TRIO Student Support Services program, which helps provide additional support for low-income and first-generation college students, as well as students with disabilities. College campuses across New Mexico will receive funding to provide services designed to help students stay in school and graduate, such as tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, and financial guidance.

The New Mexico schools receiving grants are: Central New Mexico Community College - Joseph M. Montoya Campus; Central New Mexico Community College - Main Campus; Clovis Community College; Eastern New Mexico University - Portales; Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell; New Mexico Junior College; New Mexico State University; San Juan College; San Juan College - STEM; Santa Fe Community College; University of New Mexico - Albuquerque; University of New Mexico - Gallup; and University of New Mexico - Taos. Funding begins in September for the fall semester. The award amount is for the first year, but it is expected to be renewed each year for a total of five years.

"Navigating college is challenging for any student, but it can be particularly overwhelming if you're the first person in your family to attend school - or if you're balancing a job, living with a disability, or taking care of children or other relatives while attending classes. Extra support to help students with everything from signing up for the right courses, to managing family and financial responsibilities can be the key to success," Udall said. "TRIO grants have made a big difference for students and colleges in New Mexico, and I'm proud to support the program as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. These grants are an important investment in our students' futures and our state's economy."

"TRIO's Student Support Services program gives first generation, low-income New Mexico students the tools and resources they need to earn a college degree," Heinrich said. "These grants will allow 11 colleges across New Mexico to provide youth, veterans, and unemployed adults with additional support and assistance to increase retention and graduation rates. When our students receive a world-class, affordable education - no matter where they come from - it improves their well-being, strengthens their communities, and boosts our struggling economy."

Individual grant award amounts follow:

Central New Mexico Community College - Joseph M. Montoya Campus: $220,000
Central New Mexico Community College - Main Campus: $247,584
Clovis Community College: $247,584
Eastern New Mexico University - Portales: $353,084
Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell: $220,000
New Mexico Junior College: $268,485
New Mexico State University: $390,463
San Juan College: $231,103
San Juan College - STEM: $220,000
Santa Fe Community College: $231,103
University of New Mexico - Albuquerque: $247,582
University of New Mexico - Gallup: $235,228
University of New Mexico - Taos: $219,970