“Alamogordo’s First Charter School Secures $2 Million in Funding”
The Sacramento School of Engineering and Science in Alamogordo and Equip Academy of New Mexico in Albuquerque have each been awarded $2 million in funding from the Public Charter Schools of New Mexico (PCSNM), as reported by AlamogordoTownNews.org. PCSNM is the leading organization supporting and advocating for charter schools across New Mexico, serving as the state’s only professional body dedicated to charter school growth and quality education.
On September 27, 2023, the U.S. Department of Education announced approximately $235.8 million in new funding for charter schools across the country through the Charter Schools Program (CSP). New Mexico was among the qualifying states, with PCSNM securing a 5-year CSP grant worth $52,777,778. This significant funding will enable PCSNM to distribute subgrants through a competitive application process to charter schools aiming to achieve one of the following goals:
- Expand existing high-quality charter schools
- Replicate successful charter school models
- Establish new charter schools that are proven to increase student achievement, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
PCSNM’s objectives with the CSP funding are designed to align with the broader goals of the U.S. Department of Education’s Charter Schools Program. These objectives include:
- Expanding Access: Increasing the availability of high-quality charter school options across New Mexico by awarding 28 subgrants to new, expanding, or replicating charter schools, including the launch of schools in communities that currently lack such options.
- Improving Learning Outcomes: Supporting the growth of charter schools that exceed academic achievement standards, with a focus on driving improvement for high-need students.
- Strengthening the Charter Sector: Enhancing the overall sustainability of New Mexico’s charter schools by offering leadership fellowship opportunities, conducting needs analyses, and providing tailored technical assistance to both established and developing charter school authorizers.
Over the next five years, PCSNM will distribute a total of 28 subgrants to eligible applicants. These grants will fund up to 18 months of planning and two years of implementation for the selected schools. In 2024, PCSNM plans to award four subgrants in total: two for new charter schools and two for the expansion of existing charter schools.
The Sacramento School of Engineering and Science will be the first public charter school in Alamogordo, with a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. The $2 million grant will support the school in serving students from 9th to 12th grade, providing a much-needed educational option in the region.
This funding initiative represents an essential step in expanding educational opportunities for New Mexico’s students, particularly in communities where charter school options have been limited. With this support, both the Sacramento School of Engineering and Science and Equip Academy of New Mexico are set to make significant contributions to the state’s educational landscape.
