1. A. To be considered for the program, a student shall meet the following criteria:
2. (1) is 16 years of age or older by workforce training program start date;
3. (2) resides in the state of New Mexico at the program start date and for the duration of the workforce training program;

4. (3) is an active, enrolled participant of an adult education program;

   1. (4) qualifies as indigent, which can be shown by the student experiencing at least one barrier to employment which may include:
   2. (a) low literacy;
   3. (b) low level of English language proficiency;
   4. (c) lack of a high school diploma or equivalent;
   5. (d) ex-offender status;
   6. (e) migrant/seasonal farmworker status;
   7. (f) displaced homemaker status;
   8. (g) being unhoused;
   9. (h) long-term unemployment;
   10. (i) disability;
   11. (j) cultural or linguistic barriers; or
   12. (k) individual income level below 400% of the federal poverty level for the current year;

5. (5) is simultaneously an active, enrolled participant of a department-funded workforce training program;

   1. (6) has completed a department-created application;
6. (7) voluntarily chooses to participate in the program, as evidenced by the participant’s signature on a program agreement; and
7. (8) has not participated in the program for more than 12 months in the participant’s lifetime.
8. B. The participant shall execute an agreement before a stipend is provided.
9. C. Once qualified and participating, no income, including state government public assistance, other state government funding, federal government funding, financial aid, educational and academic scholarships, pay for employment, etc. shall be counted as program funding nor disqualify the participant from receipt of the stipend.
10. D. Eligibility for the program shall not be contingent upon immigration status.

[5.9.2.9 NMAC - N, 2/11/2025]