NE ENLACE @Northern New Mexico College
WHO WE ARE
NE ENLACE advocates for educational opportunities that strengthen families and communities across New Mexico. Derived from the Spanish word “enlazar”—to link, weave together, and strengthen—ENLACE stands for Engaging Latino Communities for Education. While rooted in this mission, NE ENLACE serves all students in northeast New Mexico, regardless of ethnicity, culture, or identity.
We are a network of diverse, transformational leaders—students, families, schools, colleges, universities, businesses, agencies, and community organizations—united in advancing educational access, success, and social justice. By empowering communities to elevate their voices and working collaboratively with policymakers,
NE ENLACE Mission
Demystify career & college pathways through partnerships that foster leadership, collaborations, advocacy, and community stewardship.
NE ENLACE Vision
New Mexico students confident in their capacities to access career and college pathways aligned with their aspirations, interests, and skills.
WHAT WE DO at NNMC ENLACE
At Northern New Mexico College ENLACE, we partner with schools, districts, and communities across northern New Mexico to offer tailored workshops and initiatives that support students, families, and educators. Our programming ranges from short-term sessions to long-term partnerships, all designed to strengthen educational pathways and community connections.
We offer opportunities in:
- Career and College Pathway Exploration — Helping students connect their interests and talents with future academic and career opportunities.
- Application Support — Guiding students and families through FAFSA completion, scholarship searches, college applications, and job readiness, including résumé development.
- Peer Mentoring and Academic Support — Providing mentorship, tutoring partnerships (with select institutions), and skills for academic success.
- Leadership and Advocacy Development — Empowering students with leadership skills, advocacy tools, and civic engagement opportunities.
As part of the northernmost hub of the ENLACE New Mexico network, NNMC ENLACE plays a unique role in linking rural communities, schools, and higher education. Rooted in the mission of Northern New Mexico College, we serve as a vital connector — building authentic partnerships that reflect the voices, cultures, and needs of our region. Through this work, we ensure that students and families are represented within the broader statewide effort to promote access, equity, and success in education.
Our Focus Areas
- Student Success Initiatives — We help students design their own pathways for success by encouraging exploration, self-advocacy, and personal growth tied to their passions and skills.
- Family, Community, and School Partnerships — We believe student success is rooted in strong support networks. That’s why we foster meaningful partnerships between students, families, schools, and the wider community.
- Leadership and Professional Development — We create avenues for students to engage in leadership roles, professional growth, and networking—locally and beyond—through conferences, workshops, and collaborative initiatives with statewide, national, and international partners.
NNMC ENLACE Initiatives & Events
2023-2024
- NNMC ENLACE Kickoff Event - Brochure (January 10, 2024)
- SFCC Summit Day (January 22, 2024)
- Hispano Round Table Legislative Dinner (February 6, 2024)
- ENLACE Day Luncheon (February 8, 2024)
- NNMC Summit Day (February 26, 2024)
- NMHU Summit Day (May 1, 2024)
- NNMC Final Celebration (April 29, 2024)
2024-2025
- STEM Challenge Day (September 11, 2024)
- Hispanic Heritage Community Fiesta (September 19, 2024)
- NNMC ENLACE Leadership Day (February 7, 2025)
- ENLACE Legislative Internship (February 12, 2025 – February 14, 2025)
- ENLACE Day Luncheon (February 14, 2025)
- Brewing Gratitude (April 24, 2025)
- Legacy of Learning (May 7, 2025)
Wisdom Warriors Mentorship Program
The Wisdom Warriors Program is a student-led mentorship initiative at Northern New Mexico College, developed by NNMC Student Life and ENLACE. Wisdom Warriors serve as peer mentors for first-time college freshmen, offering support with academics, college navigation, and personal growth.
Through leadership training and mentorship, the program builds a network of student leaders who foster community, encourage self-advocacy, and promote student success at NNMC.
Resources
- Financial Aid & Scholarships: The New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF) provides tools, resources, and guidance to help students and families navigate financial aid, scholarships, and college funding options. Visit www.nmeaf.org for support with FAFSA completion, scholarship searches, financial literacy, and college planning. https://www.nmeaf.org
- NNMC Career Services
- Counseling & Student Support Center
- Continuing Education
- Adult Education
- Office of Registrar
Special Thank You to Our Partners
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community and institutional partners for their support and collaboration. Your commitment to our students and shared vision for educational success make our work possible. Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities and lasting impact in our community and surrounding areas.
We offer our deepest thanks to Senator Leo Jaramillo for his steadfast support of the ENLACE program and his leadership in securing the funding that brought ENLACE back to the Espanola Valley, the surrounding communities, and Northern New Mexico College. His advocacy has made a lasting difference for our students, families, and community.
- NNMC Board of Regents
- NNMC Center for Teaching and Learning
- NNMC Career Center
- NNMC Veterans Resource Center
- NNMC Student Life
- NNMC Ben Lujan Library
- Upward Bound Española
- La Fonda del Sol
- Albertsons Market Place
- Center Market
- Rio Arriba County
- Lazy Buffalo Trading Co.
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Foundation
- City of Española
- New Mexico Highlands University
- Santa Fe Community College
- ENLACE Regional Offices
- UNM Health Sciences for DEI
- La Cocina Restaurant
- One Print Works
- Century Bank
- Pilar Restaurant