TRIO Talent Search helps students in Alamogordo, Tularosa prepare for college

On a hot day in August 2025, Lourdes Ambriz, NMSU senior program director, welcomed students and their families as they stopped by the TRIO Educational Talent Search tent at the TRIO Future Fest held at Tularosa High School. The event allowed students the chance to explore potential colleges, careers and resources from around the region.

Thanks to a five-year grant NMSU received in 2022 for the TRIO Talent Search program, 500 students from THS,
Alamogordo High School and Mountain View Middle School in Alamogordo participate in a year-round college preparatory program that assists with the financial aid and postsecondary application process.

“The benefits that students derive from being participants in the program are priceless,” Ambriz says. “Sometimes students hesitate to enroll because they think that it’s going to cost money or cost time. No, we’re here when you need us. So, enroll in the program, and if you need us, great, and if you don’t, OK, but at least keep that door open.”

TRIO Talent Search provides academic, career and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue to complete their postsecondary education. It also encourages individuals who have not completed education programs at the secondary or postsecondary level to enter or return.

“NMSU Alamogordo values the connections we make with partners like TRIO Talent Search immensely,” says Chevy James D. Josselyn ’22, NMSU Alamogordo admissions adviser. “We believe they provide massive resources to students that need them in multiple areas around Alamogordo. This enables us to better serve the students who are better prepared to be in college. They are very important to our college student pipeline.”

During the 2023-24 academic year, 98% of Talent Search senior participants graduated from high school and 70% enrolled in postsecondary education.

“According to the New Mexico Public Education Department, Alamogordo is the 14th-largest school district in New Mexico,” says Tony Marin ’98 ’08, associate vice president for Student Affairs. “In Alamogordo and Otero County, the need to provide the educational services offered by Talent Search is critical to enhancing the futures of the youth in the target schools and area.”

Since TRIO Talent Search was introduced at THS, Principal Jody Hill ’05 has seen the effect it has had on her students.

“These TRIO ladies (Anji Morgan-Thornton, Tonya Valdez-Menard and Hannah Davis) are utilizing our advisory time, and students know that they have an open-door policy, that they can set up appointments with them, and it’s more hands-on,” Hill says. “These ladies come in and they have such an impact on every single one of our students.”