NMOST Assets and Indicators

Welcome to the New Mexico Out-of-School Time Network's (NMOST) Story Map!

This website paints the picture of the afterschool landscape in New Mexico and is crafted for use by policymakers, providers, state leaders, and the public in order to assess how state and federally funded afterschool programming sites intersect with important indicators related to the wellbeing of New Mexico children.

After School Assets

21st Century Community Learning Centers

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Program provides students exceptional out-of-school time (OST) learning and developmental experiences throughout the state of New Mexico. Learning centers, can be located in elementary or secondary schools, or other similarly accessible facilities, provide a range of high-quality services outside of the traditional learning day or during periods when school is not in session (such as before and after school, or summer break). The learning centers foster student achievement through programming that complements and reinforces content introduced during the traditional learning day, and the 21st CCLC instructors provide innovative, interactive, evidence-based learning opportunities in a safe and structured environment.

Use the search and zoom tools to explore New Mexico communities and click on the map for more information. 

ESSER III Grant Recipients 2021

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), states were awarded a third round of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding to help with recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Most of the funding was automatically distributed to the districts with a broad spectrum of allowable uses, including afterschool and summer learning programs designed to help recover from learning loss during the pandemic. A smaller portion of the funding was allotted to the state’s Department of Education, with 1% each dedicated to afterschool and to summer learning opportunities. The state has allocated $6M to mini-grants for partnerships between schools and community-based organizations (CBOs) to develop and facilitate afterschool and summer programs. This map shows the sites selected in rounds 1 & 2 of the ESSER III grant process.

Use the search and zoom tools to explore New Mexico communities and click on the map for more information.

Community Schools

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham put together a plan for education in New Mexico. “A New Direction for New Mexico Schools” includes eleven (11) focus areas needed in order for New Mexico’s students to achieve their very best, including engaging families, communities and students as substantive partners. One way in which to engage families, communities, and students as essential partners in our public schools is through the expansion of the community schools model.

Use the search and zoom tools to explore New Mexico communities and click on the map for more information.

Indicators

Poverty

Children living in areas of concentrated poverty are often from families with limited educational

background and may face difficulty in getting help with homework after hours. They may also have less access to technology, books, and educational materials in the home. An after school program can provide a few additional hours during the day in the presence of a caring adult, and with access to computers, art and science equipment, and a variety of educational materials and activities.

Summer learning programs can also help prevent summer learning loss that tends to exacerbate the achievement gap between students from low and high-income families.

In addition, too many of New Mexico’s children suffer from hunger and food insecurity. Afterschool and summer programs can help provide a healthy, substantial snack or a healthy, warm meal for children who might otherwise go to bed hungry. It’s tough to learn when you can’t hear yourself think over the rumbling of your stomach.

Use the search and zoom tools to explore New Mexico communities and click on the map for more information.

U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2018-2022 5-year estimates

Disconnected Youth

Afterschool is a place that sparks passion and fuels imagination. It helps young people discover who they are and what they love to do. Students in afterschool programs learn by doing, strengthen their social skills, and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Afterschool programs also allow parents to focus on providing for their families—rather than worrying about whether their children are supervised or coordinating rides. Parents need flexible, affordable options after the school bell rings, and to know their children are safe. Afterschool provides that assurance. Finally, afterschool is a safe haven that helps children and teens avoid risky behaviors, online and offline, during the hours of 3 to 6 p.m., when juvenile crime and victimization peaks. Roughly 70,000 New Mexico children are unsupervised during that window.

Out-of-school time programs like afterschool and summer learning can:

  • Create a safe and empowering space for young men and women.
  • Provide peer support and strengthen self-esteem and resilience.
  • Provide training on topics related to life skills, healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and where to seek help.
  • Promote healthy attitudes and behaviors in their families and communities.

U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2018-2022 5-year estimates

Education Attainment

Research shows that afterschool and summer learning programs improve student performance, school-day attendance, and overall student engagement. Out-of- school time programs can offer homework help, tutoring, and additional, hands on learning opportunities in areas like STEM, art, and music. These factors combine to improve academic performance, and, in the long-term, lead to increased earning potential for New Mexico students, and help close the achievement gap for students living in economically difficult circumstances.

Use the search and zoom tools to explore New Mexico communities and click on the map for more information.

2018-2022 American Community Survey (ACS) Education Attainment Variables:

Low Proficiency

Afterschool and summer learning programs are locally designed school and community solutions that help students learn and grow, keep children and teenagers safe, and support parents in balancing work and family. Students in programs participate in hands-on learning, discover new interests, receive nutritious snacks and meals, and have the chance to be physically active. Programs offer a broad array of enriching activities—from learning about electricity and how to build circuits to growing vegetables and preparing healthy meals—that help students build their communications skills, learn how to work collaboratively, and foster confidence in themselves. These are foundational skills and competencies that students need as they move through school and toward adulthood. A study following close to 3,000 low-income elementary and middle school students across eight states, representing both urban centers and rural communities, found that students who regularly participated in high quality afterschool programs improved their classroom work habits and task persistence.

Research shows that regular attendance in afterschool:

  • Improves academic performance and school-day attendance
  • Reduces dropout rates
  • Reduces the achievement gap for low-income students

Use the search and zoom tools to explore New Mexico communities and click on the map for more information.