DECLARING FEBRUARY 7, 2003 AS "ENLACE NEW MEXICO DAY" AT THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, New Mexico has a rich multicultural heritage that is rooted in its unique history; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's Latino students and communities contribute to the multicultural heritage of the state and with improved educational attainment, represent a significant promise for a bright economic future for the state; and

WHEREAS, data from the state department of public education, the commission on higher education and the national center for education statistics illustrate a significant achievement gap between Latino students and other student groups in New Mexico public schools; and

WHEREAS, this achievement gap results in considerable economic and social costs to the state of New Mexico as a result of high Latino student dropout rates with almost half of Latino students in New Mexico not graduating from high school; and

WHEREAS, ENLACE New Mexico, "Engaging Latino Communities for Education", was established with the assistance of a grant awarded by the W. K. Kellogg foundation as part of a national initiative to improve the educational participation and graduation rates of Latino students through enhanced community involvement; and

WHEREAS, ENLACE New Mexico has created a Framework for Success, which outlines effective educational methods in classes, schools and communities where Latino students are gaining educational success; and

WHEREAS, ENLACE New Mexico is dedicated to the goal of improving Latino student achievement and reducing achievement gaps;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 7, 2003 be declared "ENLACE New Mexico Day" at the legislature and that recognition be extended to ENLACE New Mexico for its service in recognizing that by increasing opportunities for academic achievement, school completion and engagement in higher education, ENLACE New Mexico continues to improve educational opportunities and results for Latino students.