New Mexico launches first preschool to workforce initiative through Rural Education-Workforce Collaborative
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions announced yesterday the launch of the first-of-its kind Rural Education-Workforce Collaborative, a $400,000 statewide initiative connecting early education and P-12 instruction in rural school districts with workforce development opportunities to prepare students for high-demand careers.
This transformative model will expand access for rural students by integrating education and workforce resources such as dual credit programs, free college tuition and work-based learning opportunities including apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships and internships. Together, these programs will create robust pathways for career training, reskilling, and upskilling to meet New Mexico’s emerging workforce needs.
“This workforce-school partnership tackles several challenges at once by connecting education to real world opportunities from the earliest stage, creating opportunities for rural youth and building our workforce in climate-ready and infrastructure careers,” said Sarita Nair, NMDWS Secretary. “Building on Governor Lujan Grisham’s historic investment in early education and tuition-free college, the collaborative will demonstrate how much we can accomplish when we join forces with innovative rural school districts and the local workforce development board to give students true options for their futures and strengthen New Mexico’s economy.”
The P-20 approach emphasizes multiple entry points and stackable credentials, creating seamless, inclusive transitions between education, career technical training, and employment aligned to regional and local economic priorities. Funded through the legislative approved Community Benefit Fund, this 18-month project will build a comprehensive, student-centered education and workforce continuum.
“The current landscape for rural career technical education struggles to connect students to real world opportunities that align with regional industry trends,” said Lee White, Superintendent Loving Municipal Schools. A collective partnership has been formed between Workforce Development, Pre-K-12 rural districts, higher education entities and Collegiate Edu-Nation that will tandemly establish these opportunities and measure success through a data point system. I believe that we are on the cusp of effectively changing student outcomes through this model and partnership.”
“We created the Community Benefit Plan to spark exactly this type of creative partnership,” said Senate President Pro-Tem Mimi Stewart. “This investment will give young people real skills and paths to stay in the rural communities they love while building our state’s capacity to face the challenges of a changing climate and economy.”
“The Eastern Area Workforce Development Board is very excited about the work being performed through the collaborative,” said Executive Director Beth Elias. “This work will not only provide expanded opportunities for rural residents to access workforce resources but will also help provide opportunities for communities to retain emerging talent.”
A key feature of the project is its multi-sector collaboration, bringing together state and local agencies in workforce development, early childhood, K-12 and higher education. The initiative prioritizes underserved populations, including economically disadvantaged and first-generation students, students with disabilities, and students from tribal communities.
To ensure accountability and measurable impact, the project will establish a data dashboard to track academic and workforce outcomes over time. This data-driven approach will support continuous improvement, inform decision making, and strengthen educational and workforce results statewide.