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New Mexico Expands Tuition-Free Graduate Education to Boost Workforce and Equity

Brant.One News Desk
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New Mexico Expands Tuition-Free Graduate Education to Boost Workforce and Equity

Starting July 1, 2025, New Mexico will offer free tuition and fee coverage for eligible graduate students at public colleges and universities, following the signing of House Bill 89 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. This expansion of the state’s tuition-free education initiative aims to address workforce shortages and promote educational equity.

What you need to know about the Graduation Scholarship Program:

Full Tuition and Fee Coverage: The scholarship now covers 100% of tuition and required fees for eligible graduate students, an increase from the previous cap of $7,200 per year.

Extended Eligibility: The program removes the U.S. citizenship requirement, focusing instead on New Mexico residency. Additionally, the previous mandate for students to hold assistantships has been replaced; maintaining a 3.0 GPA now suffices for eligibility.

Duration of Support: Eligible students can receive funding for up to eight semesters, accommodating both master’s and doctoral programs.

Who can apply?

Prospective graduate students should contact the financial aid office at their chosen New Mexico public institution to apply. The scholarship is awarded for one academic year and can be renewed for a second year for master’s students who remain in good academic standing.

What’s the purpose of this program?

This graduate scholarship complements New Mexico’s existing Opportunity Scholarship, which provides tuition-free education for undergraduate students pursuing certificates, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees at public institutions. The Opportunity Scholarship covers up to 100% of tuition and required fees for eligible students.

To ensure the sustainability of these programs, the state has established a $959 million trust fund dedicated to underwriting tuition-free college education for New Mexico residents.

What to expect?

State officials anticipate that the expanded graduate scholarship will help retain talent within New Mexico, particularly in underserved and rural areas facing professional shortages. By reducing financial barriers to advanced education, the program aims to foster a more equitable and skilled workforce.

Albuquerque Schools Report 13 Guns Confiscated This Year, Raising Safety Concerns

Ruben Reyes
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Albuquerque Schools Report 13 Guns Confiscated This Year, Raising Safety Concerns

Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) have reported a troubling trend: 13 firearms have been confiscated on school grounds during the current academic year. The most recent incident involved a 12-year-old student at Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative K-8 School, found with a gun in his backpack on May 5, 2025.

According to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, the student allegedly stole the firearm from his mother’s boyfriend. Initially detained, a hearing officer later ruled that the student could be placed in custody at his grandmother’s home.

District Attorney Sam Bregman expressed deep concern over the frequency of such incidents. “It’s scary, right? It’s everybody’s worst nightmare,” Bregman told KOAT. “There is nothing more dangerous than just the idea of a child on a school campus with a gun. And it’s happening far too often.”

Bregman highlighted a disturbing trend among youth, noting that firearms are increasingly seen as symbols of status, often glamorized on social media platforms. “We’re seeing this whole gun glorification amongst young people,” he said. “They sit there and pose with a gun like this, and they put it on social media, and they get some likes, and all of a sudden, they think that’s what makes them popular. It’s a toxic mix.”

The incident also brings attention to the “Bennie Hargrove Safe Storage Act,” enacted in March 2023. This law mandates that firearm owners securely store their weapons to prevent access by minors. Under this legislation, if a child brandishes a negligently stored firearm, the responsible adult could face misdemeanor charges; if someone is harmed, felony charges may apply.

Bregman emphasized the importance of investigating how minors obtain firearms. “We are going to investigate every time a child gets their hands on a gun,” he stated. “For example, any type of gun crime in the juvenile system, our offices—we don’t even discuss any possible plea resolution or anything like that until they tell us where they got the gun.”

The rising number of firearms found in schools has prompted calls for legislative action. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and other officials have expressed frustration over the lack of updates to the state’s Children’s Code, which hasn’t seen significant revisions since before the advent of the iPhone. There is a growing consensus that laws need to evolve to address the current realities faced by students and educators.

A Troubling Trend: Firearms in APS Schools

The number of firearms found on APS campuses has risen alarmingly. While specific details of all 13 incidents have not been publicly disclosed, notable cases include:

  • February 2025: Four separate incidents in one week where students were found with guns at different APS schools.
  • Volcano Vista High School: A student reported another carrying a firearm, leading to its confiscation.
  • West Mesa High School: A 16-year-old student was found with a gun in his backpack.

These incidents underscore a growing concern about student access to firearms and the potential risks within school environments.

Legal Framework: Consequences for Students and Parents

New Mexico law strictly prohibits the possession of firearms on school premises, including buildings, playgrounds, and buses. Violations are classified as fourth-degree felonies.

In 2023, the state enacted a law criminalizing the negligent storage of firearms accessible to children. If a minor uses an improperly stored firearm to threaten or harm someone, the responsible adult can face misdemeanor or felony charges, with penalties up to 18 months in prison.

Additionally, federal law makes it illegal to have a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, further emphasizing the seriousness of such offenses.

Addressing the Issue: Measures and Challenges

In response to the rise in firearm incidents, APS has implemented several measures:

  • Zero-Tolerance Policy: Students found in possession of a firearm on school grounds face a mandatory one-year expulsion, with possible modifications on a case-by-case basis.
  • Increased Security Measures: Some schools have adopted technological solutions, such as AI-powered weapon detection systems, to enhance campus safety.
  • Community Engagement: Officials have launched public awareness campaigns to educate parents and students about the dangers and legal consequences of bringing firearms to school.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. District Attorney Bregman has criticized the outdated nature of the Children’s Code, emphasizing the need for laws that reflect current realities, particularly concerning juvenile offenses involving firearms.

Guidance for Parents: Preventing Future Incidents

Parents play a crucial role in preventing firearms from entering school environments. Key recommendations include:

  • Secure Firearm Storage: Ensure all firearms are stored securely and are inaccessible to children.
  • Open Communication: Talk to children about the dangers of firearms and the importance of reporting any knowledge of weapons at school.
  • Monitor Social Media: Be aware of your child’s online activity, as social media can influence perceptions about firearms.

By taking these proactive steps, parents can help create a safer environment for all students and prevent future tragedies.

Texas Enacts SB 569 to Expand and Modernize Virtual Education Statewide

Brant.One News Desk
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Texas Enacts SB 569 to Expand and Modernize Virtual Education Statewide

Texas has just hit reset on how virtual education works statewide.

Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 569 into law, launching a new chapter for online and hybrid learning in public schools and charter systems. Authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), the bill replaces the outdated Texas Virtual School Network with a more flexible and student-centered framework known as Chapter 30B.

At the heart of the law is a push to expand access to college-level courses. Students in rural or underserved areas often miss out on Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-credit classes simply because their schools can’t offer them. SB 569 aims to level the playing field by allowing these courses to be delivered virtually, giving more students a real shot at earning college credit while still in high school. It also opens doors for early graduation and apprenticeship programs, letting students blend academic learning with hands-on experience.

The bill doesn’t just focus on students—it also addresses concerns raised by teachers. During the rush to shift online, many educators were pushed into virtual classrooms without the training or choice to opt out. SB 569 fixes that by ensuring no teacher is required to teach online unless they’ve been trained and have agreed to do so.

To keep the quality of online learning high, the law sets clear standards for virtual course providers and puts oversight mechanisms in place. It’s a move to ensure that virtual instruction isn’t just convenient, but also effective. One standout feature of the bill is that it lets students complete up to two years of college coursework before they graduate high school, potentially saving families thousands in tuition and helping students hit the ground running.

Supporters of the law say it’s not just about academics—it’s about opportunity. Nonprofits like Upbring believe it could be a game-changer for at-risk youth, including students in foster care or the juvenile justice system. With more flexible and accessible options, these students have a better shot at staying on track, no matter what challenges they face outside the classroom.

More than 51,000 Texas students are already enrolled in virtual classes, and that number is expected to double by 2028. With SB 569 in place, the state is building the infrastructure to meet that demand—and to make sure students, no matter where they are, have access to a high-quality education that fits their needs.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Launches ‘Generation Conservation’ to Engage Students in Outdoor Education

Brant.One News Desk
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Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Launches ‘Generation Conservation’ to Engage Students in Outdoor Education

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has introduced “Generation Conservation,” a new initiative designed to immerse students in outdoor education and conservation efforts.

This program aims to integrate nature-based learning into classrooms across the state, providing students with opportunities to develop outdoor skills and environmental awareness.

A highlight of the initiative is a two-day summit scheduled for November 5–6 at the Hot Springs Convention Center and Bank OZK Arena.

The event will feature a variety of competitions and activities, including wildlife and plant identification, conservation-themed quiz bowls, archery, and a cadet fitness challenge inspired by game wardens.

Students will also have the chance to engage in STEM-related projects, such as developing apps for online maps and participating in debates on conservation topics.

AGFC Education Chief Mary Beth Hatch emphasized the program’s goal to make outdoor education accessible to all students, regardless of their location.

“We want to ensure that Arkansas students know that The Natural State has every resource available to offer them outdoor education opportunities, no matter what their ZIP code is,” Hatch said.

She also noted that the program could serve as a foundation for schools to incorporate conservation science into their existing STEM curricula.

In addition to student activities, the summit will offer professional development opportunities for educators. Teachers and administrators will have access to AGFC’s conservation-based curricula and can earn professional development credits by participating in the event.

This dual approach aims to equip both students and educators with the tools needed to foster a deeper connection with the natural environment.

To support the program, former AGFC Commissioner Bobby Martin and his family have established the Bobby L. Martin Generation Conservation Endowment Fund.

The fund aims to provide financial assistance for scholarships, teacher stipends, STEM equipment, and travel grants, ensuring that schools across Arkansas can participate in the initiative.

New York’s FY 2026 Budget Delivers Record Education Funding and Major Reforms

Brant.One News Desk
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New York’s FY 2026 Budget Delivers Record Education Funding and Major Reforms

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed New York’s $254 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, rolling out sweeping changes to the state’s education system—from free meals for every student to tuition-free college for working adults.

At the heart of the plan is a record $37.6 billion in school aid, up $1.7 billion from last year. For the first time, the state is fully funding the Foundation Aid formula, which sends more money to schools based on student needs—a long-awaited shift meant to better serve disadvantaged districts.

One major win for families: universal free meals. The budget allocates $340 million to provide breakfast and lunch to all K-12 students, no matter their income. It’s a move that could reduce child hunger and lighten the load for working parents, especially in lower-income areas.

To curb screen time in classrooms, the budget includes a $13.5 million initiative to restrict smartphones and other internet-enabled devices during school hours. Schools will get funding to create tech-free learning environments aimed at boosting focus and academic performance.

New Yorkers aged 25 to 55 will now have a pathway to tuition-free community college, thanks to a new $47 million program targeting high-demand associate degrees at SUNY and CUNY schools. The funding covers tuition, fees, and textbooks—making it easier for adults to pivot into careers where the state needs workers most.

An additional $307 million will go to public college campuses to help cover rising costs, employee benefits, and academic support. The goal is to stabilize SUNY and CUNY systems while keeping education quality intact.

Governor Hochul’s education investments aim to reduce inequality, support working families, and improve learning outcomes statewide. The changes touch nearly every age group and reflect a broader push to make education more accessible and responsive to today’s challenges.

Naaba Ani Elementary Wins Back-to-Back State Math Competitions Using Game-Based Learning

Brant.One News Desk
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Naaba Ani Elementary Wins Back-to-Back State Math Competitions Using Game-Based Learning

Naaba Ani Elementary School in Bloomfield, New Mexico, has clinched consecutive victories in the statewide Prodigy Math competition, topping over 100 schools in both March and April 2025.

The Prodigy State Challenge is a monthly contest where students answer math questions through a game-based platform. In March, Naaba Ani students correctly answered more than 33,000 questions, earning the state title and a $500 award. The top-performing fourth and sixth-grade classes celebrated with a pizza party, with another planned for their April win.

Fourth-grade teacher Mindy Sanchez played a pivotal role in the school’s success. She encouraged fellow teachers to incorporate Prodigy into their classrooms, leading to increased student participation. “The more they were playing, the more kids were playing, and then we were able to top the other schools,” Sanchez said.

Prodigy transforms math practice into a game where students create avatars, earn pets, and engage in battles by solving math problems. This approach has not only made learning fun but also improved academic performance. Sanchez noted significant growth in students’ math skills, particularly in multiplication and division. “Every kid in my class has made significant gains,” she said.

Student enthusiasm reflects this success. Fourth-grader Jose Gasaleoarri described Prodigy as “just a fun game battling your friends.” Classmate Jadynce Grey observed that more students are achieving higher scores since they started using the program.

Naaba Ani Elementary’s achievements come at a crucial time, as New Mexico’s fourth-grade math scores have lagged behind national averages. The school’s innovative approach demonstrates how engaging educational tools can enhance learning outcomes.

Looking ahead, Naaba Ani Elementary is set to compete in the Prodigy National Cup from May 1–14, with a chance to win a $100,000 technology grant. Their recent victories position them as strong contenders in this national competition.

Trump Administration Ends Federal Funding for PBS Kids’ Ready To Learn Program

Brant.One News Desk
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Trump Administration Ends Federal Funding for PBS Kids’ Ready To Learn Program

The U.S. Department of Education has ended the federal Ready To Learn (RTL) grant program, cutting off $23 million in funding that supported educational children’s programming on PBS. The decision affects 44 public media stations across 28 states and Washington, D.C., and impacts several shows designed to help young children develop early learning and literacy skills.

The grant, which was set to run through September 2025, funded series like Molly of Denali, Work It Out Wombats!, and Lyla in the Loop. These programs were developed to meet the needs of children ages 2 to 8, especially in low-income and underserved communities.

In a letter to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the Department of Education explained the grant termination was part of a broader shift in funding priorities. The CPB, which helps distribute federal funds to public broadcasting services, said it was not given prior notice and expressed concern over the impact the decision could have on local educational resources.

Patricia Harrison, president of the CPB, emphasized the Ready To Learn program’s longstanding track record. “For more than 30 years, this initiative has helped millions of children prepare for school and life,” she said. “We hope to work with Congress and other stakeholders to keep this program alive.”

PBS has stated that the grant helped create not only television shows but also free digital games, learning apps, and classroom tools used by educators and families nationwide.

The decision to end RTL follows a recent executive order to stop all federal funding to public broadcasting networks, including NPR and PBS. The order is currently being reviewed by legal experts and has prompted concerns from educators and public media advocates about long-term effects on children’s access to high-quality educational media.

Public broadcasting leaders have indicated they will seek alternative funding sources and are considering legal options. For now, the future of several PBS Kids programs remains uncertain as stations prepare for potential programming and staffing changes.

The Ready To Learn grant was originally established in the early 1990s and has been renewed by multiple administrations. Its aim has been to help young children—especially those without access to preschool—learn foundational skills in reading, math, and science.

195,000 Student Loan Borrowers Face Federal Benefit Seizures Starting in June

Ruben Reyes
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195,000 Student Loan Borrowers Face Federal Benefit Seizures Starting in June

Roughly 195,000 Americans who have defaulted on their federal student loans are at risk of having their federal benefits—such as Social Security and tax refunds—seized starting in June 2025. The Education Department confirmed the action as part of its plan to resume full-scale collections after a five-year pause triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Borrowers who received notices this spring now have 30 days to resolve their default status or face automatic collections through the Treasury Offset Program (TOP), a tool that allows the federal government to withhold funds to recover unpaid debts.

Garnishment Resumes After Long Hiatus

Collections on defaulted federal student loans were halted in March 2020 as part of the pandemic relief measures. But with the end of the federal student loan payment pause and default protections in late 2023, the Department of Education is gradually reactivating collection tools.

As of May 5, 2025, the department officially resumed debt collection activities. The 195,000 borrowers who received offset notices represent the first wave of individuals being targeted for benefit seizures.

The Treasury Offset Program can divert money from:

  • Federal and state income tax refunds
  • Social Security benefits
  • Federal salaries and retirement payments

Wage garnishments are expected to resume later this summer.

Who’s Affected?

Borrowers in default are defined as those who have gone at least 270 days without making a required payment. According to Education Department estimates, around 5.3 million borrowers are currently in default, and an additional 4 million are severely delinquent.

The 195,000 borrowers receiving notices this month are only a fraction of those potentially subject to offsets.

Most at risk are low-income borrowers who rely on Social Security, tax credits, or other federal benefits to cover basic living costs.

Pathways to Avoid Collections

Borrowers still have time to act. The Department of Education is encouraging those who received notices to contact its Default Resolution Group. Options to avoid garnishment include:

  • Loan Rehabilitation: Makes nine on-time payments in 10 months to remove a loan from default.
  • Consolidation: Combines loans into one and brings them into good standing if paired with an income-driven repayment plan.

Borrowers can also apply for hardship exemptions in cases where offsets would create serious financial burdens.

More information and help are available at studentaid.gov and through the department’s Default Resolution Group.

Backdrop

The return of student loan collections comes as the Biden administration’s broad loan forgiveness plan remains blocked by the Supreme Court. Though the White House has implemented targeted relief—such as one-time adjustments and fixes to income-driven repayment plans—millions of borrowers remain ineligible for forgiveness.

The Department of Education has now shifted its focus toward enforcement and repayment compliance. Education Secretary Linda McMahon recently stated that “borrowers must resume their obligations,” citing the end of COVID-era flexibility.

What’s Next?

With collections now underway, more defaulted borrowers are expected to receive offset or garnishment notices throughout the summer. The Department says it will continue outreach to help borrowers avoid punitive measures, but critics argue the window for assistance is shrinking fast.

For those facing potential benefit seizures, acting quickly may be the only way to protect federal income streams.

Top Tech CEOs Urge U.S. Schools to Expand K–12 Computer Science and AI Education

Juan Oliveros
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Top Tech CEOs Urge U.S. Schools to Expand K–12 Computer Science and AI Education

Dozens of executives from some of the largest tech companies in the U.S. are calling on state and federal leaders to make computer science—and artificial intelligence (AI)—a core part of K–12 education. In a letter sent Monday, 60 CEOs said the country risks falling behind globally if students aren’t better prepared in foundational tech skills.

The letter was organized by Code.org, a nonprofit focused on increasing access to computer science in schools. Signatories include high-profile leaders such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg.

The executives’ message is clear: schools must move faster to integrate computer science and AI into their core curriculum, not treat them as optional electives.

“Computer science is the foundation for many future careers,” the letter states. “It’s critical to expand access to these skills starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school.”

The letter specifically highlights AI as a fast-growing area of innovation and employment. Industry leaders argue that early exposure will help students better understand the technology that is already reshaping industries, economies, and daily life.

The Current State of Tech Education

Only 57% of U.S. high schools currently offer foundational computer science courses, according to Code.org. While that number has increased over the past decade, access remains uneven. Students in rural and low-income communities are far less likely to attend schools with computer science offerings.

And AI education is even more limited. Very few K–12 schools teach AI concepts or ethics, even though students regularly use AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and image generators.

In contrast, many countries are moving aggressively to integrate AI and programming into school systems. China has introduced national guidelines for AI education in middle and high school, and the U.K. revised its computing curriculum to emphasize digital literacy and programming from primary school onward.

CEOs Cite Workforce and Equity Concerns

Tech executives warn that the lack of broad access to computer science and AI education could weaken the U.S. workforce over time. The letter highlights how technology is rapidly reshaping industries and argues that students need foundational skills in computing to remain competitive.

Without nationwide access to computer science, students from low-income and rural communities risk being left behind. They argue that expanding curriculum access can help bridge opportunity gaps tied to race, income, and geography.

The CEOs are calling on lawmakers, governors, and school boards to:

  • Make computer science a graduation requirement.
  • Fund teacher training programs in computer science and AI.
  • Update state standards to include AI concepts and digital ethics.
  • Support industry partnerships to bring real-world tech exposure into classrooms.

The letter stresses that these changes should happen “urgently and at scale,” not through scattered pilot programs or elective options.

Growing Momentum Behind the Push

The business community’s call comes amid broader debates about the role of AI in society—and how to prepare young people for it. Some states, including Arkansas and New Jersey, have recently passed legislation requiring computer science courses in high school.

The Biden administration has also emphasized STEM education in its workforce development plans. However, federal efforts to directly fund AI-specific K–12 initiatives remain limited.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in everything from health care to journalism to transportation, tech leaders argue that education must catch up.

More Student Loan Borrowers Falling Behind—Even Those with Strong Credit

Brant.One News Desk
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More Student Loan Borrowers Falling Behind—Even Those with Strong Credit

A growing number of U.S. student loan borrowers are falling behind on their payments, and it’s not just those with poor credit. According to a recent report by credit bureau TransUnion, even borrowers with prime credit scores—typically considered financially stable—are missing payments at unprecedented rates.

The data shows that 20.5% of student loans are at least 90 days past due as of early 2025. That’s the highest delinquency rate in recent memory and a sign of deepening financial strain across borrower groups.

Credit Score No Longer a Shield

TransUnion’s report, first shared with MarketWatch, highlights a concerning shift: the share of delinquent student loans held by borrowers with prime credit scores jumped from 33% in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 46% in the first quarter of 2025. Prime credit scores typically range between 661 and 780.

This increase suggests that even households traditionally seen as “low risk” are struggling with student loan payments. That’s unusual in lending trends, where delinquency is generally concentrated among those with lower credit scores.

“The narrative that only low-income borrowers are at risk doesn’t hold anymore,” said Michele Raneri, vice president of U.S. research and consulting at TransUnion. “We’re seeing financially healthy borrowers showing signs of stress.”

Context: The End of COVID-Era Relief

One key reason for the spike is the resumption of student loan payments after the pandemic-era pause. Monthly payments restarted in October 2023, and the Department of Education resumed collections on defaulted loans in May 2025.

During the three-year pause, borrowers were not required to make payments, and no interest accrued. That temporary relief allowed millions to stabilize other financial priorities. But the return of required payments has triggered financial pressure, especially with inflation still affecting household budgets.

Lending Industry on Alert

Lenders are watching this trend closely. If delinquency among prime borrowers continues to rise, it could signal broader economic stress or weaknesses in the current student loan system.

“Student loan performance is typically seen as a canary in the coal mine,” said Charlie Wise, TransUnion’s head of global research. “When we see prime borrowers faltering, it tells us that the economic pressures are more widespread than they may appear.”

Limited Access to Repayment Support

Despite federal efforts to promote income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and other safety nets, many borrowers are still unaware of or unable to access these programs. A backlog of more than 1.8 million IDR applications has delayed support for those seeking lower monthly payments, according to the Department of Education.

In some cases, loan servicers have been slow to respond, leading borrowers to fall behind before getting help.

What Borrowers Can Do

Borrowers facing difficulties are encouraged to contact their loan servicer immediately. The Department of Education also recommends visiting StudentAid.gov to review repayment options and explore programs like SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education), which can lower or pause monthly payments based on income.

For those in default, the Department’s Default Resolution Group offers options like rehabilitation or consolidation to restore loans to good standing and avoid collections.

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