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New Mexico tribal colleges are vying for funds that would support dual-credit programs for high-school students in the state.

While other colleges in New Mexico have state-funded dual-credit programs, tribal colleges have been excluded and have been funding their own dual-credit programs.

Dual-credit classes are offered in a variety of subjects and the credits apply to high school and college. They are seen as beneficial because they provide a way for students from low-income families to experience college life, which can open up new possibilities.

Though the tribal colleges have offered dual-credit classes to both American Indian and non-American Indian students, their establishment by the tribes sets them apart from other colleges as far as the law that allocates funding for the programs.

“That’s just part of an excuse,” said W. Anthony Major, Jr., Navajo Technical College chief financial officer.

The state needs to better address education funding, which this year may get a boost since Gov. Susana Martinez proposed a 4-percent budget increase for state programs and public education, Major said.

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Whether tribal colleges will get a piece of the pie has yet to be seen.

“We continue to work with institutions which adhere to all dual-credit guidelines and support our students,” said Larry Behrens, spokesman for the New Mexico Public Education Department, in an email Friday. “There is a fund set up to reimburse tribal institutions for

dual-credit programs, but as of yet the legislature has not allocated dollars for the fund.”