UNM, Mexican Consulate Sign Education MOU

September 23, 2013

UNM President Robert G. Frank and Mauricio Ibarra Ponce de León, Consul of Mexico in Albuquerque, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the third consecutive year, signifying their continued collaboration to offer and support higher education initiatives of Mexican migrants in the United States. The Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established the IME-Becas Scholarship Program three years ago with the intent of improving access opportunities for Mexicans and individuals of Mexican origin in all educational levels through higher education programs in the United States.

For the 2013 academic year, the Consulate of Mexico in Albuquerque is contributing $50,000 provided by the Mexican government, which will be matched by private funding administered by the UNM Foundation for a total of $100,000 to be granted in scholarships for Mexican or Mexican origin students enrolled at UNM with a specific cultural interest in Mexico.

The objective of the scholarship program is to contribute to the development and advancement of Mexicans living in United States through resources supporting students in their pursuit of higher education who face complicated economic situations. These resources are allocated to educational and community agencies that are able to match the amounts that the government of Mexico, through its consular network in the United States, provide for the IME Fellowship Program.

"We are grateful and strongly value the partnership we have forged with UNM in support of our community" Ibarra said. "Bearing in mind the adverse situation youngsters and adults in North America face to finance their education, initiatives such as the IME-Becas Fellowship Program are highly relevant not only for enthusiastic students seeking a better opportunity in life, but for society as a whole."

Dr. Eliseo "Cheo" Torres, vice president for Student Affairs has been working with the Consul and the UNM Foundation to enhance financial and educational programs for the students receiving the scholarships and private support. "This is an excellent investment in the future of New Mexico and will enhance our economic development with an educated workforce," he said.