Local Students See Record Growth in College Acceptances as Seniors Begin Making Decisions
@ Taos Muncipal Schools
As college decision season unfolds, a record number of Taos-area seniors are choosing from an unusually wide range of options that includes some of the most selective colleges in the country.
This school year, Bridges Project for Education has worked with 197 students across Northern New Mexico as they plan for postsecondary pathways, including four-year colleges, community colleges and vocational or trade programs. That represents a 28% increase from last year and a 56% increase from two years ago. Among those students are 93 graduating seniors, the largest senior cohort the organization has served to date.
Students in the program have been accepted to more than 50 colleges, universities and vocational programs across the country and, so far, have committed to attending more than 15 institutions across at least seven states. While many students are still finalizing their decisions, the breadth of options reflects both academic achievement and expanded access to advising and financial aid support.
Acceptance letters span a wide range of institutions, including highly selective universities such as Harvard University, Stanford University and University of Pennsylvania, as well as leading liberal arts colleges like Swarthmore College, Vassar College and Colorado College. Students are also pursuing strong regional, vocational and in-state options, including University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico-Taos, Central New Mexico Community College, Doña Ana Community College, Institute of American Indian Arts and Luna Community College.
“For many students, financial aid is the deciding factor,” said Hannah Gunther, executive director of Bridges Project for Education. “The majority of our students attending out-of-state colleges are receiving financial aid packages that make those options comparable to, or more affordable than, attending an in-state four-year institution.”
Gunther and long-time program coordinator Sue Martin-Trujillo work directly with students and families, to provide free, individualized advising at every stage of the college process, including applications, essays, financial aid and enrollment decisions.
Final enrollment decisions for the Class of 2026 will be confirmed later this month. Bridges will continue to work with students through the summer as they finalize financial aid packages and prepare for the transition to college.
“I’m a Bridges alum, so this is personal for me,” said Gunther. “To see more students than ever reaching this point, with options they can actually afford, is incredibly meaningful.”
About Bridges Project for Education
Bridges Project for Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to college and vocational training for students of all ages in Taos County and Northern New Mexico. The organization offers free, individualized counseling and guidance on applications, admissions, financial aid, and career pathways.
For more information contact Hannah directly.