Developmental Studies and Dual Credit:
Essential Programs for New Mexico’s Future
The well established and coordinated community college system in our state represents an excellent investment in taxpayers’ money.
The mission of our ten community colleges is twofold, encompassing both:
· academic preparation of students working toward Bachelor’s and professional degrees, and the
· training students need to successfully join the workforce.
Developmental Studies and Dual Credit programs are key to accomplishing this mission.
Yet, incredibly, both are now being recommended for cuts by Governor Martinez and certain members of the New Mexico legislature. Developmental Studies
In tough economic times New Mexicans between the ages of 25 and 35 often turn to their community colleges to sharpen their skills, expand their options and become more competitive in the workforce. They enroll in Developmental Studies to review and upgrade basic communication and math skills. These so called “remedial” courses in reality provide the functional skill base that every successful employee must have: the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and manage numbers and data accurately.
A much smaller percentage of students (approximately 15% ) come soon after high school needing remediation in order to function at the college level. Many of these students are looking for a second chance. Perhaps they are the first in their family to attend college. We see young parents committed to a brighter future for themselves and their children, determined to be a positive role model. They come with more life experience and maturity, and a heightened determination to succeed.
New Mexico Community Colleges provide those skills for New Mexicans.
Dual Credit
Dual Credit is part of a national program to secure high school students both high school and college credit for designated courses. The impact throughout New Mexico over the past 12 years has been impressive. On the local level families have saved thousands of dollars while providing their children with the real life experience of college, and young adults have gained a sense of pride and self confidence that success in education and a heightened work ethic bring. From a broader societal perspective, our state has enjoyed the benefits of a younger, better-skilled work force contributing to local economies in optimum wages, salaries, purchase power, and taxes.
Community Colleges Are Accessible, Affordable and Accountable.
Every tax dollar invested now in community college Developmental Studies and Dual Credit programs will pay healthy dividends in the economy of the future. Don’t let your legislators turn their backs on these essential services. They are available to students nowhere else and they are the key to a brighter future and a healthier economy for us all.
Please email or call the following legislators on the Senate Finance Committee and voice your support for our community colleges and their Developmental Studies and Dual Credit programs.
Remind them that these programs are growing because they are working for New Mexicans! When New Mexico’s workforce is better prepared--we all succeed.
Senator | John Arthur Smith 505-986-4365 | Chair |
Senator | Carlos R. Cisneros 505) 986-4362 | Vice Chair |
Senator | Rod Adair (505) 986-4385 | Member |
Senator | Pete Campos (505) 986-4311 | Member |
Senator | Carroll H. Leavell (505) 986-4278 | Member |
Senator | Howie C. Morales (505) 986-4863 | Member |
Senator | Steven P. Neville (505) 986-4701 | Member |
Senator | Gerald Ortiz y Pino (505) 986-4380 | Member |
Senator | Mary Kay Papen (505) 986-4270 | Member |
Senator | Nancy Rodriguez (505) 986-4264 | Member |
Senator | Sue Wilson Beffort (505) 986-4395 | Ranking Member |
