SENATE MEMORIAL 105

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

John M. Sapien

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS DEPARTMENT TO COLLABORATE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HIGH-QUALITY CAREER PATHWAYS THAT BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULA, POST-SECONDARY STUDIES AND TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL NEW MEXICO STUDENTS.

     WHEREAS, a highly skilled and well-educated work force is a critical component of the New Mexico economy; and

     WHEREAS, a 2013 study by Georgetown university indicates that there will be three hundred thirty-five thousand job openings in New Mexico by 2020, with significant job growth rates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health care and education; and

     WHEREAS, most of the new jobs created in New Mexico will require at least some post-secondary education and training, including industry certifications; and

     WHEREAS, career and technical education programs with rigorous academic content tied to technical subject matter, internships and other cooperative work experiences, can help students obtain industry certificates and credentials necessary to meet New Mexico's work force needs; and

     WHEREAS, the work force demands of the future could be met by preparing current secondary students through career and technical education programs that establish career pathways; and

     WHEREAS, it is important to strengthen the connection between career and technical education programs and the state's work force demands; and

     WHEREAS, a significant collaboration among private sector industries, higher education institutions, work force development agencies and public schools could help the state address its current and future work force demands; and

     WHEREAS, clearly structured and coordinated pathways to advanced educational opportunities could assist students in developing expectations for occupational and salary outcomes as they progress through career pathways to greater levels of educational attainment and career advancement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the higher education department, the public education department and the workforce solutions department be requested to collaborate on high-quality career pathways that bridge high school curricula, post-secondary studies and twenty-first century job opportunities for all New Mexico students; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the departments engage relevant stakeholders to develop policies and initiatives that close the gap between career pathway study programs and work force opportunities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the departments, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, establish policy initiatives to create guidance systems for career information, exploration and advisement for secondary students and early advanced credential programs for students pursuing economically viable career pathways; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the departments report their findings and progress to the legislative education study committee no later than November 1, 2015; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of higher education, the secretary of public education and the secretary of workforce solutions.

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