Automotive programs at San Juan as well as at New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs link up with automobile dealers around New Mexico as well as surrounding states to train auto mechanics in sophisticated automobile computer technology. Another program at New Mexico Junior College provides environmental assessments to businesses in the area as a part of the training in environmental technology. New Mexico is becoming better educated as a result of the two-year colleges around the state, says Hamlett, the director of the Commission on High Education. Some people are getting education that wouldn't have otherwise, either because it was too expensive or not available in their hometown or they weren't interested in a four-year degree. Hamlett says there's competition, but it's not expensive.
Competition is good.
Colleges receive funding based on the credit hours they generated in the previous year, so we don't double fund. We fund where students choose to go. Paula Paul, an Albuquerque freelance writer, is a frequent contributor to the New Mexico Business Journal. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form without written authorization from the New Mexico Business Journal.