Dona Ana County officials push for clarity on summer internship program funding

In the heart of Doña Ana County, a pressing discussion unfolded during the Board of County Commissioners Work Session on April 1, 2025, centered around the future of the Summer Enrichment Internship Program (SEIP). This initiative, which has been a lifeline for local high school students seeking work experience, is now facing uncertainty due to a lack of state funding.

For the past four years, SEIP has provided students with valuable summer internships, initially funded by federal ARPA money and later through the state budget. However, as the new fiscal year approaches, the program remains unfunded, leaving county officials scrambling for solutions. The current state budget proposal includes a mere $10 million for summer internship programs statewide, but funding won’t be available until July 1—just weeks before the summer break ends for local schools.

County officials, including Assistant County Manager Macias, have been actively seeking clarity from state education leaders, but answers remain elusive. The urgency of the situation was underscored by recent tragic events in the community, which have sparked discussions about the role of youth programs in crime prevention. However, officials emphasized that linking the internship program to crime reduction is misleading, as past participants have not been involved in recent incidents.

The commissioners acknowledged the program's value but recognized the need for a more structured approach. Many students dropped out of last year's program due to mismatched job placements, highlighting the necessity for better alignment between students' career interests and available internships. The county is now considering a year-round internship model to provide continuous support for low-income families, rather than limiting opportunities to the summer months.

Support from local school districts has been strong, with superintendents expressing their commitment to identifying eligible students and collaborating on the program's future. A letter from the leaders of Gadsden Independent School District, Hatch Valley Public Schools, and Las Cruces Public Schools reinforced this commitment, emphasizing the importance of providing equitable access to internships for students facing financial barriers.

As the meeting progressed, discussions turned to the possibility of the county acting as a fiduciary agent, allowing local school districts to manage the program with guidance from county officials. This approach could alleviate some of the administrative burdens while fostering a collaborative environment focused on student success.

With the state budget still pending approval, the commissioners are left contemplating how to move forward. They are exploring alternative strategies, such as offering job skills training and resume workshops, to ensure that students can still gain valuable experience this summer, even if the traditional internship program faces delays.

As the clock ticks down to summer, the future of the Summer Enrichment Internship Program hangs in the balance, with county officials and school leaders united in their determination to provide meaningful opportunities for the youth of Doña Ana County. The outcome of these discussions will not only shape the summer ahead but could also redefine how the community supports its students in the long term.