OPINION: Student loan repayment program supports CYFD employees

Recognizing the critical need for skilled workers at the Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD), the Higher Education Department has teamed with CYFD to implement the CYFD Worker Loan Repayment Program.

This repayment of a student loan’s principal and much of the interest supports workers like me, already in the field, and encourages dedicated individuals to train for and join our department. It’s changing lives.

As a juvenile correctional officer supervisor with over eight years of service in the CYFD, my journey to higher education was not without challenges. Like many, the dream of pursuing college seemed financially out of reach, especially as a young father entering the workforce straight out of high school. Despite numerous attempts to return to school, the balancing act of making ends meet for my family seemed impossible.

However, my path took a transformative turn when I discovered the Higher Education Department’s CYFD Worker Loan Repayment Program. This program offered encouragement and hope, providing assistance with student loan debt for employees who earned their degrees.

With this new opportunity, I took the chance to invest in my education by working extra hours to pay for my tuition at CNM, ultimately earning my associate degree in criminal justice.

This achievement pushed me forward, fueled by the support of the CYFD Worker Loan Repayment Program. Through dedication and perseverance, I went on to attain my bachelor of science in criminal justice with a minor in digital forensics at Western New Mexico University. The program not only lessened my financial burden, but also instilled a sense of pride and value in me as a CYFD employee.

The ripple effect of this program was obvious as I witnessed many of my work peers returning to college to further their skills and knowledge. The program’s impact exceeded individual success; it indicated to employees that their educational interests were not only supported but celebrated by CYFD, the Higher Education Department and the state of New Mexico.

Moreover, the program served as a source of inspiration for the clients I serve, demonstrating that educational advancement is attainable and possible with the right support. By sharing my journey and the assistance provided by CYFD, I have empowered others to pursue their educational goals with confidence, knowing that paths for financial assistance exist.

Essentially, the CYFD Worker Loan Repayment Program is proof of the commitment of CYFD and the state of New Mexico to invest in the growth and development of their employees. By continuing to make education a priority, assistance programs can not only uplift individual employees but also support a culture of learning, progression, and mutual support within our community.

As we move forward, let us remember that education is not just a personal journey but a collective investment in a brighter and more empowered future for our communities. Together, we can continue to value education as a source of progress and success for state employees across New Mexico.

Jesus Garcia is a juvenile correctional officer supervisor with New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department. He is a native New Mexican who attended New Mexico Highlands University and graduated from Central New Mexico Community College with an associate degree in criminal justice.