The Expanding Opportunities Project
New Mexico Public Education Department—Safe & Healthy Schools Bureau
Welcome to The Expanding Opportunities Project
This project is currently under new management. We are honored to continue all the great work that has been done and excited to begin working with all of you in support of New Mexico's children, schools, and communities!
To better serve you, we are asking that all EOP participants (new and returning) fill out the below questionnaire. This questionnaire will help us get to know you and inform you of what funding you may qualify for. *Please complete this questionnaire prior to requesting any funding.
Project Goal
The Expanding Opportunities Project aims to recruit and retain school-based mental health (SBMH) providers to serve the needs of students across New Mexico, focusing on rural and frontier communities with a high percentage of at-risk and vulnerable student populations.
We have the highest respect for school-based mental health providers and the journey it takes to become one. This project will provide funding to support qualified participants who are already SBMH providers in New Mexico or are on the road to becoming one.
Project Source
The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED), Safe and Healthy Schools Bureau, was awarded a USDE grant to increase the number and quality of school-based mental health (SBMH) providers in high-need schools. By partnering with NM schools, universities, Native American communities, and other state agencies, the EOP will increase the number of SBMH providers and access to care for school-aged youth in identified communities.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
- NM graduate students who are enrolled in a regionally accredited behavioral health program. These students must also be willing to certify that they will work in a NM, rural, high-need school for at least 24 months after graduation and provide supporting documentation. *The majority of NM cities and communities are considered rural and high-need. See below for exceptions.
- NM licensed school-based mental health (SBMH) providers who have been employed in a NM rural, high-need school for at least one year. These professionals must also be willing to certify that they will continue working in a rural, high-need school for at least 24 more months and provide supporting documentation.
What Schools Are Considered Rural & High-Need?
Due to the urban makeup of the locations, schools in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe are not eligible. Private schools are also not qualifying schools. All other New Mexico Schools serving K–12 students would qualify as rural and high-need. This includes public, charter, and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools.
What Funding is Available to Qualified Participants?
*Please note that all funding received from this program is considered taxable income.
All funding requests will require supporting documentation and commitment to work in a qualified, NM school as a mental health professional for at least 24 months (after graduation for students or going forward for current professionals).
Projected Outcomes
Student-Level Outcomes
- Increased student attendance due to better mental health outcomes
- Decreased student suicide rate
School-Level Outcomes
- Improved mental health outcomes for selected LEA student communities (as measured by NM Risk and Resilience Survey)
Workforce Outcomes
- Greater visibility and recognition of the SBMH profession
- More active and cohesive rural SBMH workforce community and professional network
- Greater knowledge about and interest in the SBMH profession