We are excited to celebrate the educators who have been selected for the 2025 enrichEd® Teacher’s Grant Program! These outstanding teachers from across New Mexico are leading innovative projects that bring financial literacy to life in their classrooms. From elementary storefronts to high school service-learning, each grant recipient is helping students build essential money management skills in creative and meaningful ways.
ACE Leadership High School – $2,500
Matthew Salas, Albuquerque
ACE Leadership High School is expanding their Financial Literacy Program to include evening students working on their diploma. The program simulates real-world financial experiences by using digital time clocks to track attendance as “work hours,” allowing students to earn wages based on time spent in class. These earnings are used in a robust curriculum that includes budgeting, investing, and navigating life scenarios such as housing, transportation, and unexpected expenses.
Impact: 300 students and families will benefit, with goals including 100% FAFSA completion and bank account setup.
Alice King Community School – $2,500
Pamela Serna, Albuquerque
“AKCS Philanthropists” empowers middle schoolers to research charities and advocate for funding, blending financial literacy with social responsibility.
Impact: 100 students will develop budgeting and persuasive communication skills while supporting real-world causes.
Bosque Farms Elementary – $500
Emily Garcia, Bosque Farms
“Second-Grade Storefront” transforms math instruction through a classroom store, teaching money handling and basic economics.
Impact: 20 second graders will gain hands-on financial skills, with ripple effects reaching their families.
Enchanted Hills Elementary – $500
Holly Silva, Rio Rancho
A restaurant-themed math center will teach budgeting, menu creation, and money transactions through creative, hands-on activities.
Impact: 21 first graders will strengthen math and financial literacy in a collaborative environment.
Farmington Municipal Schools CATE Center – $2,500
Travis Torres, Farmington
Hospitality students will use an edible ink printer to create and sell confections, learning food costing and sales pricing.
Impact: 150+ students will gain culinary and business management experience.
Joe Harris Elementary – $2,500
Gina Rodriguez, Rio Rancho
Teachers will attend the Kagan Winter Academy to enhance financial literacy instruction across grades K–5 using cooperative learning strategies.
Impact: 680+ students and 50+ teachers will benefit from schoolwide implementation.
La Academia de Esperanza – $1,500
Karen Lagunero, Albuquerque
Students will analyze advertising and create their own campaigns promoting financial responsibility.
Impact: 120 high school students will strengthen ELA skills while learning to make informed financial decisions.
Rio Rancho High School – $2,500
Justina Miller, Rio Rancho
A comprehensive financial literacy curriculum for College and Career Prep students will cover budgeting, credit, and savings.
Impact: 160 students annually will be equipped for financial independence.
South Valley Academy – $2,500
Joaquin Sanchez, Albuquerque
Developing a reusable financial literacy curriculum for service-learning math classes, connecting personal finance to civic budgeting.
Impact: 90 students and their families annually will benefit from this innovative approach.
Truman Middle School – $2,000
Natali Barreto-Baca, Albuquerque
Combining robotics with financial literacy, students will learn budgeting and cost analysis through STEM projects.
Impact: 150 diverse 8th graders will gain technical and financial skills.
Vista Nueva High School – $500
Johnathan Dobbs, Aztec
Field trips to financial institutions, car dealerships, and homes for sale will teach students about credit, interest rates, and personal finance.
Impact: Students will gain firsthand experience with real-world financial systems.
These educators are transforming financial literacy into an engaging, empowering experience for students across New Mexico. Congratulations to all our enrichEd® grant winners!
2025 has been a year of growth, collaboration, and meaningful change for ARNIA Foundation. From expanding financial literacy programs to supporting survivors of domestic violence, our mission-driven initiatives are creating ripples of impact across New Mexico communities. In honor of Giving Tuesday, here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished so far and how you can help us do even more.
Full Story
Why wait until January to start improving your financial health? A little planning now can set you up for success in the new year.
Full Story