| The NorthEastern New
Mexico Educational Foundation (NENMEF) doing business as The Learning Center
began as the result of efforts in the early 90's by a group of concerned
citizens regarding the lack of higher education opportunities in northeastern
New Mexico. The Learning Center operates as a non-profit corporation that
collaborates with multiple colleges, universities, and other educational
providers to facilitate local access to quality educational services; and a
board of directors governs the foundation. Joseph J. Rodman and Martha Gonzales
work with a part-time faculty and staff of Geraldine J. Aragon, Ph.D. - Director
of Planning and Development; Paula Cacciatore - Administrative Coordinator;
Cynthia Parker - Bookkeeper; Orville Kear - Facilities Technician; and Jon
Pesikan, to provide services.
Joseph J.Rodman (seated), (l-R) Geraldine J. Aragon, Ph.D., Paula Cacciatore,
Orville Kear, Martha Gonzales, Cynthia Parker, not pictured; Jon M. Pesikan
The Foundation received recognition from the New Mexico
Commission on Higher Education as the first model for a learning center of its
type in New Mexico by incorporating innovative processes ideally suited to rural
communities, without the bureaucracy. As an integral, educational component of
the community, The Learning Center receives most of its funding from county
government, local foundations, and private donors.
The recent City of Raton Community Audit conducted by the
University of New Mexico Bureau of Business and Economic Research listed The
Learning Center as one of Raton's strengths. The UNM study is used as a planning
tool to determine what services are needed. Community leaders believe that The
Learning Center is essential to economic development and Raton's ability to
provide quality education and training for a modern work force.
Currently, The Learning Center offers monthly community computer
classes on Tuesday evenings consisting of 10 to 12 hours of hands-on
instruction. Classes are small with individual attention, and participants learn
computer basics and the elements of Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Power
Point and other software applications. Credited courses are available both
on-site and on-line in the evenings and on weekends. Lesley University (located
in Cambridge, Massachusetts) offers an on-site masters degree program in
Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy. Classes are held in Raton one weekend a
month for 22 months. Other undergraduate and graduate courses are available in
person and via Instructional Television from New Mexico Highlands University.
Additionally, Northern New Mexico Community College began offering on-site
courses in Raton; and Clovis Community College has a wide variety of on-line
classes available each semester. TVI Community College is working with The
Learning Center to offer economic development and customized training for local
businesses and industry.
The mission of The Learning Center is to enhance educational
opportunities for the people of Colfax, Harding, and Union Counties in order to
improve the quality of life and to strengthen the local economy. The Learning
Center encourages anyone interested in pursuing their educational goals to
contact them for more information.
|
The Learning Center
130 Park Avenue
Raton, NM 87740
505/ 445-0445 |
|
|
|
