View Public Events Calendar
NM Public Education Department logo
stripes illustration

The Expanding Opportunities Project (EOP)

  1. Home
  2. Offices and Programs
  3. Safe & Healthy Schools
  4. The Expanding Opportunities Project (EOP)

EOP Applications Announcement

Applications closed on Friday, August 29, 2025. Our EOP Helpline is available for any questions or assistance Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm. We are expecting high volumes. Our goal is to respond to emails and voicemails within 2 business days. EOP Helpline: nmeop@crecnm.org or 505-226-1883

The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED), Safe and Healthy Schools Bureau, was awarded a USDE grant to increase the number and quality of school-based mental health (SBMH) providers in high-need schools. By partnering with local education agencies (LEAs), universities, Native American communities, and other state agencies, EOP will increase the number of SBMH providers and access to care for school-aged youth in identified communities. The NMEOP will provide reimbursements, stipends and loan repayments for students obtaining a degree that leads to licensure as a school based behavioral health provided. The incentives are as follows:

SHSB_Expanding-Opportunities-Project-logo

Academic Support Incentive: We are recruiting students who are enrolled in master’s level or doctoral behavioral health programs (counseling, psychology, social work) in participating New Mexico universities (ENMU, NMHU, NMSU, UNM, WNMU). EOP will provide financial incentives (tuition reimbursement and loan repayment), along with resources and support to eligible participants

Internship/Practicum Placement Stipends: Stipends are available to qualifying EOP participants who complete practicums/internships via a partnering university placement (in an EOP approved high-need school/district) and commit to minimum employment of two years post-graduation in a high-need school/district. More information regarding this opportunity is forthcoming.

Salary Enhancement Stipend: In an effort to retain and recruit school-based behavioral health professionals, stipends are available to providers employed in EOP approved schools/districts. If the number of eligible participants exceeds the available grant funding, preference will be given to providers in LEAs identified with the highest needs, as per grant guidelines (ex., poverty, student-to-mental health provider ratio, etc).

Licensing/Licensure Fees Reimbursement: Qualifying EOP participants are eligible for up to $300 in reimbursement for professional licensing exam/licensure costs.

For information go to: http://www.nmeop.com/
Email: nmeop@crecnm.org
Phone: (505) 226-1883

Or contact:

Deborah Chavez
Mental Health Service Coordinator
Expanding Opportunities Project Director