SANTA FE – New Mexico's Hispanic Education Act (HEA) has spent 15 years creating stronger connections between Hispanic students and their schools, with recent data showing participants report higher levels of cultural identity, greater school belonging and fewer absences than their peers.
Today, the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) proudly recognizes the 15th anniversary of the HEA, landmark legislation enacted in 2010 to advance equitable educational opportunities and improve academic outcomes for Hispanic students statewide.
“For 15 years, the Hispanic Education Act has guided New Mexico’s commitment to advancing the success of Hispanic students by affirming their identity and creating a greater sense of belonging in schools,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla. “These outcomes demonstrate the enduring importance of culturally responsive education.”
Over the past 15 years, the PED has developed and implemented programs that emphasize cultural identity, family engagement and academic achievement for Hispanic students and families.
Recent analyses highlight the significant impact of these initiatives. According to the 2024–2025 Panorama student data and the Hispanic Education Bureau (HEB) survey, students participating in HEB programs reported higher levels of connection to their Hispanic identity and a greater sense of school belonging than their counterparts.
Students with stronger Hispanic identity also recorded fewer absences, underscoring the link between cultural affirmation and consistent school attendance. In addition, ethnic identity proved to be a strong predictor of school belonging, indicating that a student’s sense of self contributes directly to their connection to the learning environment. Higher levels of belonging were also associated with greater school engagement, reinforcing the importance of cultural grounding in motivating student success.
Looking ahead, the HEB will continue supporting culturally sustaining curriculum, strengthening school and family partnerships and ensuring that every Hispanic student in New Mexico is equipped to thrive academically and socially.
The HEA’s 15-year anniversary will be marked during the newly established biannual summits required under House Bill (HB) 487, passed during the 2025 legislative session. The first summit will take place in Albuquerque in October, followed by a second summit in Las Cruces. Other highlights of HB 487 include protections for New Mexico’s Spanish heritage language and culture, new asset-based language and parity with other advisory bodies connected to PED.
About the Hispanic Education Act
The Hispanic Education Act, passed in 2010, established the Hispanic Education Bureau within the New Mexico Public Education Department. Its purpose is to improve academic outcomes for Hispanic students, increase graduation rates and strengthen connections among schools, families and communities through culturally relevant strategies.
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The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities and families to ensure that all students are healthy, secure in their identity and holistically prepared for college, career and life. Currently, the PED serves about 320,000 students in 189 districts and charter schools. Find an abundance of resources for administrators, educators, families and students at New Mexico Public Education Department (state.nm.us) or follow the PED on Facebook and Instagram.
Link: NEWS RELEASE: Hispanic Education Act celebrates 15 years of advancing student success