“Every child can learn and succeed.” Hardly a parent or teacher would disagree with that statement. But the promise that every individual can grow and achieve, regardless of their background, ability or circumstance, is easier said than done. This is especially true in New Mexico, which has one of the highest percentages of poverty in the country. Children who are Native American or who are English Language Learners are even more at risk. Fortunately, they can and do learn and achieve at high levels when given proper support and intervention.  

At New Mexico State University, the Borderlands and Ethnic Studies (BEST) department offers solutions for aspiring educators faced with this dilemma. And with a $250,000 boost from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), the program is succeeding as it educates future teachers in how to analyze the history, cultural situation, politics and consequences of racialization and identity formation with a place-based, Borderlands approach.  

With WKKF support, the BEST department is developing a research center using a decolonial framework to better understand community needs and aspirations within a place-based historical context. This center will serve as an interdisciplinary hub for faculty, students and community leaders to come together and design solutions to societal challenges collaboratively.  

Dr. Dulcinea Lara, a professor of Ethnic Studies in NMSU’s College of Health, Education and Social Transformation, clarifies what ethnic studies is about. “It means highlighting knowledge that is relevant to students’ lives and bringing those realities into the classroom,” she says. Further, “cultural relevancy” means there is an added level of complexity in how we learn and in what language we learn. But when the playing field is level — or at least understood — everyone has a chance to succeed. “Our students all have the same dreams, intelligence and talents. We just need to provide them with the windows of opportunity to thrive,” Lara adds.  

The WKKF is the ideal partner for such a program as it works towards creating conditions that enable vulnerable children to thrive by addressing issues such as education, health and community development. WKKF often collaborates with selected New Mexico communities and organizations — including NMSU and Doña Ana Community College — to develop and implement programs that improve the wellbeing of children. To date, WKKF has contributed more than $3.3 million to the NMSU Foundation to support everything from Strengthening Border Families to Graduation for All, a program to help adult learners address their needs outside the classroom.  

Professors in the BEST program have created a statewide hub for interdisciplinary faculty to develop and disseminate culturally responsive kindergarten-through-college-level Ethnic Studies and place-based lesson plans, classroom kits, films and museum exhibits. Much of BEST’s work focuses on creating culturally appropriate curricula that centers on Native American, Mexican American and African American histories that have been left out. These lessons support the state’s 2018 Martinez/Yazzie legal ruling as well as the 2022 New Mexico Public Education revised Social Studies Standards.  

“When we understand how society functions and how history can influence who has advantages and who doesn’t, we can make sure the classroom curriculum reflects their realities,” says Lara. “That way, our educators can create a culturally aware environment and give every student the tools they need to succeed.”