In New Mexico, only 56% of youth graduate from high school, ranking us 48th in the nation[1]. Without even a high school diploma, these youth are limited to low-paying jobs and as a result many of them will continue to live within a cycle of poverty.
According to the Alliance for Excellent Education, New Mexico’s high dropout rate will cost these youth almost $3.6 billion in lost wages over their lifetimes.[2]
The challenges we face with regard to education are many. Our teachers are severely underpaid when compared to other states, and by fourth grade only 20% of all New Mexico students are able to read at a “proficient” level – ranking us 49th in the nation for reading proficiency.[3] This sets our students up for failure as they continue throughout the system.
To learn more about our educational system and how we can work to improve it, please read the articles below.
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Dear Members of NMAG,
The NMAG Board of Directors has decided to hold three meetings on the last Friday of the month in February, March and April to gather the members of NMAG together for an overview of the organization and its membership. These meetings will be devoted to informing members about NMAG and New Mexico funders and what they do. It is hoped that this format will provide an opportunity for members to become more informed about the membership and the different...
According to a report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT project, millions of American children reach fourth grade without learning to read proficiently.
In January of 2011, NMAG released a discussion paper for the philanthropic sector to provoke discussion among funders and education leaders, and discover ways to maximize the benefits of philanthropic investments in New Mexico.
Authored by Chris Sturgis of MetisNet, the paper reflects the insights of the author based on her research of key issues.
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