LAS CRUCES, N.M. - NMSU-Grants Adult Education reached a new milestone this summer – ranking #1 out of 26 adult education programs across the state! The program provides free high school equivalency classes and tests to students, enabling them to learn and improve key skills in the core subjects of math, language arts, science, and social studies. Last fall, the program was in a slump – ranking at the bottom of the state program list. After making simple, positive changes such as flexible scheduling, fast-track testing, and reaching out to disengaged students, the program began making a climb. By the end of the fiscal year, the program finished #1 in measurable skill gains for students. 33 students earned a high school equivalency during the year (with many more on the way). Of those, 22 enrolled at NMSU-Grants to begin their postsecondary education this fall. Additional graduates are seeking employment in the local job market.
Without a high school diploma, many adults feel stuck. Finding a job, getting a promotion, and starting college classes often seems far away for those who didn’t finish high school. But they don’t have to be! The Adult Education Program at NMSU-Grants helps students of all ages (16+) earn their high school equivalency and supports them in continuing their career and educational pursuits after. Instructors and staff members make students feel welcome and work to understand their unique challenges and needs, ultimately building a partnership to reach academic goals. Meeting students where they are at, providing flexible study options, and instilling confidence as students make progress have been key factors in the program’s positive outcomes this year.
“Achieving my GED certificate was one of the best steps I’ve taken in my life. I highly encourage anyone out there who wasn’t able to finish high school to reach out to the wonderful resources at NMSU-Grants.”
- Frankie Edwards, May 2025 High School Equivalency graduate & new NMSU-Grants college student Students are offered differentiated, direct instruction, and self-paced learning options that meet their schedules and needs. Interested in learning more about NMSU Grants Adult Education? Visit us on campus in Room 120 in Martinez Hall or call 505-287-6683. Office & classroom hours are Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm.