According to New Mexico’s Public Education Department, Graduation Rates in New Mexico are currently at just over 69%, and are only slightly better in Las Cruces where rates currently stand at about 77%.
New Mexico State University hosted a GradNation summit, which focused on the community’s effort to raise graduation rates.
GradNation events have been held throughout the Country since 2013. Chrystal Morris Murphy, Senior Director for Alliance Engagement at America’s Promise Alliance says they focus on bringing community stakeholders together to discuss ways to raise Graduation Rates.
“The goal of the campaign is to reach a National High School Graduation Rate of 90% by the year 2020,” Murphy said. “And so we know that we can’t do that alone in a vacuum out here in Washington D.C. We know that we’ve got to get into the community to help them think through their challenges, figure out what’s working well, hear from the local folks, hear from National experts to get it all together.”
Dr. Fernando Valle, and Associate Professor of Education at Texas Tech, gave one of the Keynote Speeches at the event. Valle says educating children can’t just be left up to the school system.
“There’s some real power that the community has,” Valle said. “And often it’s an untapped resource. Their places of business, their offices, the non-profit organizations, those are real spaces where student’s can really apply their learning. They can really develop some skills and some competencies working with professionals, working in a professional setting and environment. And it’s really powerful when those doors are open to the public schools, where students aren’t strangers to professional environments at an early age.”
Community Members attended sessions throughout the day to discuss the resources they can provide to students. Chrystal Morris Murphy says it’s important to have these conversations.
“We want folks to be thinking innovatively about how to keep kids in school,” Murphy said. “Should they have dual track enrollment for college and for high school, what should caring adults be doing outside of mentoring and just being close to kids on a daily basis.”
While the adults were in their sessions, middle schoolers form throughout Dona Ana County heard things about college enrollment, financial aid, and the importance of finishing high school.
James Hall, Associate Athletic Director at NMSU, says it’s important for students to know the opportunities education hold before entering high school.
“It’s kind of what my grandmother would say,” Hall said. “Believe in yourself, and understand how far education can take you are the two messages I would give because it is a cornerstone of their life, and as one of my mentors said, school is always in session. And the more you know the more opportunities that will be presented to you, no matter what background you come from, and if you can gravitate to that and hold on to it. Your life will be very successful.”
Daniel Hererra, a Las Cruces Middle Schooler, attended the summit, and says he definitely plans on staying in school.
“I feel like it could make a difference,” Herrera said. “Because if you don’t graduate there’s not really much you can do. If you graduate, there’s a difference. You could really change the future, you choose your future, not someone else chooses yours.”
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