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| Wilson Hails NM Scholars Initiative at Annual Community Kick Off |
January 28, 2005 |
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Pilot Effort Works to Motivate Students to Challenge Themselves
Albuquerque – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today lauded an education initiative that is working to motivate New Mexico high school students to better prepare for life and college through challenging coursework.
The effort called the New Mexico Scholars Initiative is entering its second year in the Albuquerque, Bernalillo, and Rio Rancho public schools. It began last year as a pilot program recognizing that many graduating high school students were not fully prepared to enter college or the workforce. The statewide initiative aims to change that by encouraging all students to take a more challenging high school course of study — set by the community, education and business leaders — and not to take the easiest path.
“Congratulations to Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Bernalillo public schools, the volunteers and teachers who work with this initiative, but most of all, congratulations to those students working for a bright future,” said Wilson, speaking today to the community volunteers who make the program work. “Nothing can replace the messages and examples that young people get from the adults in their lives. Encouraging students to take their educations seriously is a great step.”
This year, New Mexico Scholars business volunteers will present to all 8th classrooms in 34 middle schools shortly before they register for high school.
“We’re enthusiastic about the successes we’re seeing with the New Mexico Scholars Initiative, and we appreciate Rep. Wilson’s commitment to education,” said Joe LiRosi, New Mexico Scholars Director. “Through this program, New Mexico business volunteers directly communicate to students the value of fulfilling the New Mexico Scholars course of study.”
The New Mexico Scholars course of study requires four English credits, three math credits for Geometry, Algebra and Algebra II, three lab science credits for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, 3.5 Social Studies credits and two foreign language credits. Currently, 8.4 percent of students in participating school districts fulfill that coursework, LiRosi said.
Dozens of volunteers from the local business community will talk to students about what to expect in today’s workplace and how the New Mexico Scholars course of study — which emphasizes math and science — will help them get ready to succeed in higher education and their careers.
About NMBREE
NMBREE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) collaborative of business leaders across the state dedicated to improving public education in New Mexico. The Business Roundtable was formed primarily to use the influence of the community to encourage school improvement in New Mexico. Visit NMBREE on the web www.nmbree.org and the New Mexico Scholars Initiative at www.nmscholars.org.
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