UNM Anderson School of Management Receives $1.1 Million Dept. of Education Grant to Support Rural Students

August 16, 2022 - Anna Dykeman

UNM StudentsAlbuquerque, N.M. – The University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management has been awarded a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to provide extra support to rural UNM students. The proposed Rural Student Connectivity Project will provide tailored training, internships and technology to encourage them to complete their degree and prepare them for fulfilling careers.

Specific goals of the project include increasing rural student enrollment, retention and graduation rates; providing rural students with career preparation courses, pathways and paid internships; and engaging rural students in accessible learning opportunities.

“This project supports our commitment to pathways to success for our rural students,” said Robert DelCampo, Ph.D., executive director of Anderson’s Corporate and Community Engagement and professor.

“We need to provide the specific supports these students require to achieve their goals. This funding allows for us to do everything from hardware to summer programming aimed at making higher education relevant to their communities, but most importantly to understanding the socioemotional aspects of transitioning to college.”

This funding opportunity is particularly appropriate for New Mexico, because about a third of New Mexicans live in rural areas. Rural students in New Mexico struggle with a severe digital divide, shrinking rural populations, and lack of opportunities in high-growth industries enjoyed by urban residents. This project will support rural students across UNM schools and brand campuses to provide them with the needed resources to position them for success.

“Congratulations to Dr. Robert DelCampo and his team for securing this grant to support UNM students from rural areas,” said Mitzi Montoya Ph.D., dean of the Anderson School.

“This project will position these students to succeed in their education by providing essential support, services and tools, including access to computers and internet access. We’re preparing them to stay in New Mexico and contribute their skills to our workforce.”

If you are interested in engaging in this or other Anderson projects, including hiring interns or alumni or corporate partnership opportunities, visit https://sdc.mgt.unm.edu/for-employers/.