New Mexico’s future depends on innovative ways to keep young people connected to their communities, engaged in school, and prepared for future career opportunities. This learning opportunity will explore the development of pathways programs in rural New Mexico with a focus on the Four Corners (Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico) region.
The study tour will explore opportunity for delivering high-quality college and career pathways in small, geographically isolated high schools. In 2019-20, 60 of the state’s 89 school districts enrolled fewer than 1,800 students; 53 districts enrolled fewer than 900 students, and 35 enrolled fewer than 400. On the average, high school students (grades 9-12) represent about 22-24 percent of total enrollment; consequently, most of these districts were operating high schools with fewer than 200-250 students, and many served fewer than 100. As the high schools in this region serve many Native American and Latino, we will also learn strategies that are culturally relevant and responsive to the local community contexts.