ALBUQUERQUE, NM – July 2024 – New Mexico Community Trust (NMCT) is proud to announce the recipients of the second annual Saving for Success Award Program in New Mexico. The Saving for Success Award is a college savings award program administered by NMCT with a mission to make higher education more affordable and accessible, especially to students in New Mexico who have financial need. 

22 students from 7 different New Mexico counties will receive a Saving for Success Award during this award cycle. The award application asked students about school achievement, honors and awards, community involvement, and higher education goals. 

The goal of the Saving for Success Award program is to help prepare eligible K-8 students in New Mexico for future success in higher education through financial literacy education, encouragement, and an award of $1,000 in initial value invested in a 529 account with The Education Plan®, a 529 education savings plan sponsored by the State of New Mexico. 

The Saving for Success Award helps those students and families that may not be able to save for college and will help with higher education expenses including tuition, books, and room and board at universities, community colleges, trade schools and professional schools.

“Starting a college savings account early helps increase a child’s ability to successfully obtain a higher education,” said Randy Royster, President & CEO of NMCT. “College expenses are growing every year, but research has shown that a child with just $500 saved for college is four times more likely to graduate than those without any savings.”

Some of the amazing award recipients across New Mexico include:

•    Keith Arias | Santa Fe, NM | Kindergarten
•    Bobby Izzard | Albuquerque, NM | Kindergarten
•    Brianna Izzard | Albuquerque, NM | 4th Grade 
•    Shane Chavez | Albuquerque, NM | 8th Grade 
•    Amelia Chenier | Santa Fe, NM | 7th Grade 
•    Xia Duran y Jennings | Santa Fe, NM | 7th Grade 
•    Reyna Garcia | Springer, NM | 8th Grade 
•    Anthony Gomez | Albuquerque, NM | 4th Grade 
•    Ariana Hall | Rio Rancho, NM | 4th Grade 
•    Ava Hall | Rio Rancho, NM | 6th Grade 
•    William Hall | Rio Rancho, NM | 8th Grade 
•    Scout Harrison | Albuquerque, NM | 1st Grade 
•    Paislee Cordova | Isleta, NM | 3rd Grade 
•    Demi Sanchez | Ruidoso, NM | 4th Grade 

Hear from some of the recipients:

“I feel super happy and excited,” said Bobby Izzard. It's like a big high-five for saving my pennies. You guys are awesome for cheering me on. I promise to keep saving and working hard. This award makes me feel like I can do anything. Thanks for believing in me and making me feel special!”

“Thank you for this award,” said William Hall. “I plan to use this money to attend an engineering college and make a difference in the lives of my family and community.”

“Thank you so much for giving me this amazing opportunity,” said Amelia Chenier. “This award will help me focus on my academic goals without as much financial stress. This award is also teaching me the value of saving for the future. I am very honored to have been chosen for this award.” 

“Thank you for the award,” said Xia Duran y Jennings. “I really appreciate it. Every dollar saved counts and is valued.” 

“We are thrilled 22 young students across New Mexico are receiving this award to help with their dream of attending college,” said Natalie Cordova, Executive Director, New Mexico Education Trust Board, the organization that administers The Education Plan.

For more information, visit SavingforSuccessNM.com. If you are interested in helping to fund the Saving for Success Award, please visit https://go.abqcf.org/nmct-success. 
 

New Mexico Community Trust (NMCT) is a tax-exempt public charity created to work in areas not serviced by existing community foundations. NMCT provides financial, investment, donor, and grant management services for communities across the state along with back-office support for multiple community foundations in the state. For more information, visit nmctrust.org. 

The Education Plan® is New Mexico’s 529 Direct Education Savings Plan administered by the Education Trust Board of New Mexico. It’s a tax-advantaged way to save for education expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, fees and computer equipment at a four-year university, community college, professional school, or trade school. The money may be used at schools across the US, both traditional and online. Accounts grow tax-free and withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified higher education expenses. For New Mexico residents, there is an income tax deduction on the full amount of any contributions to an account with The Education Plan. Anyone can open an account for anyone, and you do not need to be related to the beneficiary. For more information, visit TheEducationPlan.com.