For 90 years, United Way of North Central New Mexico has been rallying community support, providing comprehensive resources, and raising funds to increase family stability and educational attainment in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, Valencia, and Santa Fe counties. Having basic needs met and cultivating generational family stability goes hand in hand with educational attainment. As we focus on these priorities in our counties, we also want to ensure they are addressed to our own staff.  

We offer a variety of policies and practices to support staff upskilling, training, and educational attainment while also remaining cost-effective and improving hiring, retention, and career advancement. These include, among others, a tuition reimbursement policy, celebrating staff milestones, internal and external professional development opportunities, a monthly Equity Learning Group, and educational advising and mentorship.  Chief Financial and Human Resources Officer, Jody McKelvey, notes an increase in applicants specifically asking about our tuition reimbursement policy, showcasing the competitive hiring value education-friendly policies and practices provide.

For staff that are continuing their education, having additional support and flexibility allows them to be successful in balancing academics and high-quality work performance. Community Engagement & Equity Lead, Trish Marquez, is completing a UNM Accelerated Online degree in Chicana & Chicano Studies. She credits the hybrid, 32-hour work week as instrumental in allowing her the time to complete coursework while maintaining a positive work-life balance. Additionally, this flexible schedule has positively contributed to staff retention and satisfaction across the organization.  

For businesses worried about the expense of providing educational opportunities, there are many low or no-cost initiatives to tap into, such as Job Training Albuquerque or online webinars. Marketing Coordinator, Lily Case, recently took a marketing data and analytics class offered through JTA. She noted that her Director of Marketing, Leona Davis-Brown, was an important advocate and mentor, encouraging her to take a class that would enhance position-related skills. Leona also ensured she would be able to balance the time needed for the course work and her main responsibilities. Employees are best able to take advantage of educational opportunities when they are shared and supported by leadership and mentors, contributing to a culture of growth, learning, and progress. 

True to our values, UWNCNM doesn’t just foster a culture of learning internally, we strive to create a thriving community through educational and career development. We’ve participated in yearly job-shadows, internships, and practicums with CNM, UNM, and high school students. This allows local students to gain insight and experience, fulfill credit/degree requirements, and build networks and confidence. 211 Help Line Manager Kelli Gallardo organized a practicum this summer for several C CNM Community Health Workers and Dual-Credit students. One of their main tasks was to update agency contact and program information for the iCarol database, which helps 211 Community Navigators have accurate, up-to-date information to share with callers. The practicum participants expressed their appreciation for learning more about our services and networks in the community, as well as their interest in returning as future volunteers or employees. In fact, one participant newly returned as a 211 Intern. Hosting career exploration opportunities is incredibly fulfilling and beneficial for both students and workplaces.  

Supporting educational activities isn’t without challenges, however. Directing resources and time takes effort. Recommendations to get started:  

• Start small & utilize internal expertise for workshops 

• Make employees feel like they are prioritized, are supported, and have opportunities 

• Utilize self-learning through platforms like LinkedIn Learning or YouTube 

• Allow employees to schedule learning into work time 

• Create individual annual plans with goals around education & training  

• Have leadership & mentors support these goals 

• Conferences can be great professional development 

• Have attendees share learnings & connections with team 

• Look for community resources – local higher education institutions or other initiatives with discounted trainings/programs

These policies, practices, and cultural values are a win-win for our organization, staff, and community.  UWNCNM is proud to be an Education-Friendly Workplace!