SANTA FE — The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) is collaborating with the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) to promote the Education Works Program.

The Education Works Program provides financial assistance for up to 24 months to a benefit family where at least one individual is enrolled in a post-secondary, graduate, or post-graduate college or university. This program was created in December 2000 for participants to advance and focus on education rather than on meeting work requirements in the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block grant program.

“The Education Works Program works hand-in-hand with our HSD mission: to transform lives -  it improves security and promotes independence for New Mexicans in their communities.'' said Angela Medrano, HSD Deputy Secretary. “It provides much needed support to families in need who are pursuing higher education.” 

“While getting a college degree opens doors to family-sustaining jobs, pursuing higher education can put a financial strain on students and their families,” Higher Education Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez said.

“In addition to the state-funded scholarship programs that cover the cost of tuition and fees, the Education Works Program helps keep New Mexicans from having to choose between making ends meet and advancing their education.”

For Fiscal Year 2021, $845,500 has been appropriated to serve the Education Works Program.  This amount serves up to 150 recipients a month.

Eligibility criteria for the Education Works Program is as follows:

• Anyone accepted or who will enroll in a two or four year post-secondary or post-graduate degree program; and 
• Must be eligible for the TANF Program.

A person can apply for TANF on the YES New Mexico Portal at: www.yes.state.nm.us. or may walk into any local office or call the Consolidated Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465 to assist with the application process and to answer questions.

The Human Services Department provides services and benefits to 1,042,799 New Mexicans through several programs including: the Medicaid Program, TANF, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Child Support Program, and several Behavioral Health Services.