(NewsNation) — New Mexico has rolled out a pilot program that will pay homeless students $500 a month to stay in school.
The state’s Public Education Department announced in November that it will enroll 330 students in grades 10-12 across 12 school districts and one charter school. The program is designed to remove barriers that can keep students from attending class, such as housing insecurity, lack of transportation and access to food. It is meant to build upon the New Mexico Appleseed pilot, which the department reports saw a 93% graduation rate among participating students.
“This program recognizes the real challenges homeless students face and gives them stability to graduate and pursue their dreams,” Mariana D. Padilla, New Mexico Education Secretary, said.
The Washington Post reports that New Mexico had the highest rate of child poverty in the U.S. in 2023. According to the department, the state legislature has allocated $2.1 million annually for the three-year pilot program.
To qualify for the payments in December, participating students will have to maintain a monthly attendance score of 92%, complete all schoolwork, attend weekly academic support sessions and meet with counselors for wraparound services.
“I do put a lot of effort into school, with or without the money,” said Dai, a 16-year-old junior, told The Washington Post. “It makes me feel really happy because I know I’m not going to be having struggles.”