Scholarship Eligibility

The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) describes eligible scholars for the PreK Scholarship program as follows:

  • Teachers working in a PreK funded classroom who do not have an NM early childhood birth–3 or PreK–grade 3 license
  • Any EA working in a PreK funded classroom who does not have an AA in early childhood education 
  • Any EA with an AA who is pursuing a BA and teaching license in early childhood education
  • Teachers/PreK Coaches/Principals working in a PreK funded classroom who have an NM early childhood Birth–grade 3 or PreK–grade 3 license and are pursuing a PreK–12 special education license

Read on to learn more about the responsibilities associated with each scholarship model.

PreK Associates (AA) Responsibilities

NMPED Responsibilities

  • 100% of tuition and fees
  • 100% of NMTA test (reimbursement to scholar)
  • 100% of rental books (reimbursement to scholar)

District Responsibilities:

  • The district may choose to cover the purchase of books when rentals are not available, but the scholar must return the books to the district for future scholars.

Scholar Responsibilities:

  • Scholar commits to complete a minimum of six credits per contract year.
  • Scholar commits to remain with the PreK program in the district/charter for one year after the contract ends.
  • Scholars must maintain a C or better in all classes taken.

PreK Bachelors (BA) Responsibilities

NMPED Responsibilities

  • 100% of tuition and fees
  • 100% of NMTA test (reimbursement to scholar)
  • 100% of rental books (reimbursement to scholar)

District Responsibilities:

  • The district may choose to cover the purchase of books when rentals are not available, but the scholar must return the books to the district for future scholars.

Scholar Responsibilities:

  • Scholar commits to complete a minimum of six credits per contract year.
  • Scholar commits to remain with the PreK program in the district/charter for one year after the contract ends.
  • Scholars must maintain a C or better in all classes taken.

Alternative Licensure Responsibilities

NMPED Responsibilities

  • 100% of tuition and fees
  • 100% of NMTA test (reimbursement to scholar)

District Responsibilities:

  • The district may choose to cover the purchase of books when rentals are not available, but the scholar must return the books to the district for future scholars.

Scholar Responsibilities:

  • Scholars must complete the alternative licensure program within two years or complete 12 hours of graduate credit per contract year.
  • Scholar commits to remain with the PreK program in the district/charter for one year after the contract ends.
  • Scholars must maintain a C or better in all classes taken.

*No graduate programs at this time.