SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico is putting hundreds of thousands of dollars towards helping social workers pay off educational debt. The state’s Higher Education Department recently awarded relief to 133 state employees.
Those employees work for the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). They received an average of $33,000 in debt relief per person, the Higher Education Department said.
“Removing financial barriers to social work education is the answer to increasing the number of trained and certified New Mexicans filling the most critical positions at CYFD all across our state,” Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez said in a press release. “The New Mexico Higher Education Department is proud to partner with CYFD in continuing this impactful program and working with social work education programs statewide to produce dedicated and qualified graduates to help New Mexico’s most vulnerable children and families.”
To receive debt relief, the workers must have worked with CYFD for at least two years. They must also work directly with children and families, the Higher Education Department said.
“The CYFD Worker Loan Repayment Program has relieved a significant portion of my educational debt, allowing me to focus on my career and personal growth,” Jesus Garcia, a corrections officer supervisor in CYFD’s Juvenile Justice Division, said in a press release. “Employees benefiting from this program feel valued and are motivated to continue serving with dedication.”
Overall, the state approved $432,000 for the debt relief program for the coming year. More about the program can be found online at this link.
