State expands 'Grow Your Own Teachers' initiative

TAOS — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed HB-22, the Grow Your Own Teachers Scholarships Act, which expands financial aid support for students pursuing teaching degrees.

“Improving educational outcomes for all New Mexicans is vital, and we must work together to support aspiring educators and fill current vacancies,” said Stephanie Rodriguez, Acting Secretary for the New Mexico Higher Education Department.

The bill, signed into law on March 17, was introduced by Rep. Joy Garratt, D-Albuquerque, and expands the Grow Your Own Teacher program that was passed into law in 2019.

The updated program now allows teaching assistants and individuals who are legally allowed to work in the U.S. to apply for the scholarship. The program had restricted eligibility for those with the job description “educational assistant.” It also had required U.S. citizenship for eligibility.

The state budget includes a recommended $500,000 for the Grow Your Own Teachers Scholarship program. The scholarship can award up to $6,000 per academic year to students in need to cover tuition, fees, books, and other costs.