New Mexico Public Education Department: Adult Diploma Programs

In response to concerns about accessible pathways for adults to earn a high school diploma, the New Mexico Legislature enacted laws authorizing an external diploma program for adults. The Bill requires that any such program document the educational attainment of participants through college and career readiness standards, assess high-school level skills in applied life and work contexts, and prepare participants to enter college or the workforce, upgrade their skills, advance to a better job, or move from one field of work to another.

Successful completion of this program would result in receipt of a New Mexico-issued diploma rather than a high school equivalency (HSE) credential. The intention of the legislation was that the external diploma program will provide a cost-effective alternative to a high school equivalency credential for adults who do not possess a high school diploma.

Amount: Awardees will be promoted as a provider of adult diploma programs.

Eligibility: Eligible organizations include those that:

• Are recognized as an eligible adult diploma program by the division of the United States Department of Education that oversees career and college standards for adult education,
• Have an established adult diploma program with a comprehensive curriculum aligned to or comparable with the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education (https://lincs.ed.gov/publications/pdf/CCRStandardsAdultEd.pdf)
• Assesses high school-level skills in applied life and work contexts
• Prepares individuals within its program to enter college or the workforce, upgrade their skills, advance to a better job, or move from one field of work to another, and
• Issues a transcript acceptable for college admissions and applications.

Link: https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/information/rfps-rfis-rfas/

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