On February 12, 2026, the first group of students graduated from a new electrical theory certification program at the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe. The program is taught by faculty from Northern New Mexico College and funded by the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
The nine-week course introduces participants to the fundamentals of electrical work and offers a pathway toward advanced certification or an associate degree. Organizers say the training aims to prepare participants for high-demand careers after release.
In addition to the ten students who graduated with their electrical theory certification, eighteen students received their high school equivalencies, and one student earned his college degree. According to a post by the New Mexico Corrections Department, “February 12, 2026 we celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of students from a new electrical theory certification program at the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe. (…) The nine-week program, introduces the fundamentals of electrical work and creates a pathway toward advanced certification or an associate degree. The training aims to prepare participants for high-demand careers after release. In addition to the ten students who graduated with their electrical theory certification, 18 students received their high school equivalencies, and one student earned his college degree.”
New Mexico College President Hector Balderas served as guest speaker at the event. KRQE News 13 covered the ceremony.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to provide educational opportunities within correctional facilities.
