Student outcomes in New Mexico are some of the lowest in the nation. Education Weekly’s 2011 "Quality Counts" report ranks New Mexico 50th in students’ “Chance for Success” and 47th in K-12 achievement, and less than half children growing up in poverty graduate from high school.  But each day, we have new reason for optimism. Despite the challenges that our students face, we see our teachers and their students demonstrating results that surpass everyone's expectations.

Because New Mexico is a rural region with smaller schools, our corps members reach a huge percentage of students and each corps member can quickly see results, both inside and outside the classroom. Corps members also recognize the importance of building relationships with students outside the classroom. Most corps members are involved in after-school activities, as group advisors and coaches, and get to know their students and families on a very personal level.

New Mexico alumni work within education and from other sectors to expand opportunities for students. As a program evaluator for the state legislative finance committee, Matthew Paul (New Mexico ’05) helps ensure district budgets are maximized to have the biggest impact on low-income communities.

We have made great strides in New Mexico, and we see the next five years as a tremendous opportunity to transform this region. We look forward to growing the corps, affecting more students, and proving that kids can succeed in New Mexico despite the challenges of poverty