No child should be left behind. New Mexico has set a goal to ensure children receive the support they need. To strengthen those efforts, the Higher Education Department has allocated millions of dollars to establish projects in select schools and improve childcare facilities.
The department announced $10 million in new investments to expand child care infrastructure on college and university campuses statewide. The funding is intended to bolster support for students, families, and campus communities.
The grants will help to create and expand childcare facilities serving students, families, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities, HED said. It is an integral part of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s plan to build a universal child care system for families.
Five colleges and universities secured funding for new or expanded child care facilities:
- University of New Mexico: Children’s Campus Cluster 1 Expansion – $4,710,000
- San Juan College: CDFC Renovation & Equipment/Furnishing Purchase – $2,540,000
- New Mexico State University: Myrna’s Children’s Village Modernization and Expansion – $1,500,000
- Santa Fe Community College: Kids Campus Classroom Renovations and Expansion Phase 1 – $1,000,000
- Eastern New Mexico University: Roswell Child Development Center Renovation – $250,000
The projects fund planning, design, construction, renovation, furnishing, and equipment upgrades. These improvements are essential to expand child care capacity on higher education campuses.
New Mexico aims to strengthen on‑campus child care options and expand access in every region. These efforts help more New Mexicans pursue higher education and career opportunities while their children learn in safe, high‑quality environments.
Why This Funding Matters
“Access to childcare is essential for student parents, campus employees and families across our communities,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “These investments reflect New Mexico’s commitment to supporting working families, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that more New Mexicans can pursue higher education without barriers.”
Demand for this funding underscores the statewide need for expanded child care capacity, according to the department.
HED received 25 proposals from 18 higher education institutions, totaling approximately $119.8 million in requests. Collectively, the projects could expand universal child care to more than 1,260 children. Many of the projects are located in areas that experience significant shortages of licensed childcare, often dubbed “childcare deserts.”
Additionally, these facilities strengthen campus-based early childhood education and child development programs. These initiatives create hands‑on learning environments for students preparing to enter the early childhood workforce.
How Funding Was Realized
HED led a statewide review process to develop funding recommendations. It collaborated with the Early Childhood Education and Care Department and the Department of Finance and Administration.
“Universal Child Care becomes real when a parent can leave their child in a safe, quality program steps away from where they learn and work,” said Early Childhood Education and Care Department Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. “With the Higher Education Department and our partners across the state, we’re meeting families on campus and strengthening care for student parents, campus employees, and the communities they’re part of.”
The availability of funding depends on the successful sale of severance tax bonds, anticipated in June 2026. Awarded institutions may expect funds to be available in early July 2026.