Santa Fe, NM — July 31, 2020 –The National Dance Institute of New Mexico—NDI New Mexico—has been named the 2020 New Mexico Nonprofit of the Year by Albuquerque Business First. 

“2020 has been a challenging time for all, and that makes this honor even more special,” said Russell Baker, Executive Director for NDI New Mexico. “Our entire organization including staff, instructors, students, board, volunteers, and donors have risen above every challenge presented this year, and we are thrilled to have this hard work recognized. We’re thankful to the Albuquerque Business First for this award and for recognizing the impact of our programs on student success and wellbeing across the state. We are dedicated to continuing to bring the students of New Mexico top-notch dance education and to our Core Four values: work hard, do your best, never give up, and be healthy.” 

NDI New Mexico celebrated its 25th year of bringing dance education to New Mexico classrooms in 2019, and regularly reaches over 8,000 children in schools statewide and after school programs —over 80% of whom are experiencing poverty. NDI New Mexico programs seek to enrich overall academic performance and participation, as well as provide a healthy, joyful, and creative outlet as part of a well-rounded education. With COVID-19 school closures, the NDI New Mexico team has continued their programming and moved to an online experience with summer programs, opening opportunities to reach additional children across the state. The NDI New Mexico team is now working to coordinate with public school districts and other partners around the state to begin a new school year focused on excellence, joy and health.  

For more information on NDI New Mexico, go to www.ndi-nm.org.