Heinrich Meets with Cadets at New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy & New Mexico Military Institute, Tours Newly Renovated Health Science Center & Expanded Nursing Program at[...]

ROSWELL, N.M. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, met with cadets at the New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy and the New Mexico Military Institute, and toured Eastern NM University-Roswell's (ENMU-R) newly renovated health science center, automotive and welding technology center, and expanded nursing program.

Heinrich toured the New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy campus and met with cadets enrolled at the academy. While there, he also discussed an $87.5 million increase in federal funding he secured for the academy and programs like it across the country to help students earn their high school diploma, while also receiving advanced workforce training in the skilled trades and industry-recognized certifications.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) meets with cadets at the New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy, September 8, 2026.

Heinrich also met with the leadership of the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) to discuss federal funding opportunities for the institute, military academy pathways for New Mexicans, and campus modernization needs. Heinrich also met with cadets enrolled at NMMI. Heinrich nominates New Mexicans to the Military Service Academies each year and provides an online informational session and application process for those interested.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) meets with cadets at the New Mexico Military Institute, September 8, 2026.

Additionally, Heinrich toured Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell's (ENMU-Roswell) newly renovated health science center, automotive and welding technology center, and expanded nursing program. ENMU-Roswell's nursing program is ranked first in New Mexico.

While there, Heinrich met with Rocio Rugelio from Las Cruces. Rocio participated in ENMU-Roswell's Adult Education Program before enrolling at ENMU-Roswell with the goal of earning a degree in Early Childhood Education and making a positive difference in the lives of young children and families.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) tours Eastern NM University-Roswell's newly renovated health science center and expanded nursing program, September 8, 2026.

Heinrich successfully protected programs that make higher education more affordable for students in New Mexico. This includes:

• Maintaining the maximum Pell Grant award at $7,395;

• Funding federal TRIO programs at $1.2 billion to serve low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities; and

• Funding the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant program at $388 million to support first-generation and low-income students with the resources they need to get their high school and college degrees.

Heinrich also successfully ensured that the Postsecondary Student Success Grant maintained $45 million in funding. This program provides investments in evidence-based initiatives aimed at enhancing retention and completion rates for college students.

In 2020, Heinrich secured $1.5 million for ENMU-Roswell's "Dream. Achieve. Succeed" program. The program partners the university with local school districts in Chaves and surrounding counties to improve college readiness and academic success for disadvantaged and low-income students.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Heinrich advocated for maintaining maximum Pell Grant awards and funding federal programs utilized by two-year and minority-serving community college systems in New Mexico.

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