A new program in New Mexico aims to support homeless high school students by offering monthly $500 payments, conditioned on meeting certain academic goals. The initiative, launched by the state’s child poverty nonprofit, New Mexico Appleseed, will provide funding to help alleviate barriers that keep these students from attending school.
Homeless students often face challenges such as lack of transportation, utilities, food, and healthcare, which can hinder their ability to focus on education. This program seeks to address these issues by providing financial assistance to help students afford basic needs, thereby enabling them to concentrate on their studies.
The pilot program, which is being tested in about a dozen districts, has already shown promising results. In one of the initial pilots, 13 out of 14 seniors graduated at a 93% rate, compared to 51% for homeless students nationwide. The new program aims to replicate this success and become a national model for improving academic outcomes for homeless students.
To participate in the program, eligible high school students must maintain a 92% monthly attendance rate, complete all their schoolwork, and meet weekly with a counselor. Students do not have to account for how they spend the funds, but they will receive financial advising.
The program’s supporters believe it is a holistic approach to addressing the complex needs of homeless students. By providing financial assistance and supporting academic goals, the program aims to help these students overcome barriers and achieve their educational potential.
As part of the pilot program, adults at Mayfield High School have already noticed a shift in motivation among participants. Students are texting with district liaison daily to ensure they’re on track, and tutoring sessions are becoming more frequent. This suggests that the program is having a positive impact on students’ focus and academic performance.
The state hopes to expand this initiative statewide after three years and collect data on its effectiveness. If successful, it could become a national model for supporting homeless high school students and helping them achieve their educational goals.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/12/05/new-mexico-paying-homeless-students