City Funds 184 Scholarships at Santa Fe College

A workforce initiative backed by federal relief money is paying for students in trades and early childhood programs.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Financial Aid

City Funds 184 Scholarships at Santa Fe College

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Should your city fund job training scholarships at local community colleges?

The City of Santa Fe funded 184 student scholarships at Santa Fe Community College over the past 12 months through a workforce development initiative. The City has also secured about $200,000 from city council to continue the program into 2027.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to help students earn degrees and certifications that fill community workforce needs. Its continuation signals a hoped-for sustained partnership between the City and Santa Fe Community College.

The City reports 184 scholarships over the last 12 months, backed by $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act grants to Santa Fe Community College and the City. About $200,000 has been secured to extend the program into 2027, though the extraction does not say whether funding will continue beyond that year.

The players

Santa Fe Community College

A public community college in Santa Fe, New Mexico, offering certificate and associate-level workforce training programs.

City of Santa Fe

The municipal government of Santa Fe, New Mexico, which funds and runs the workforce development initiative.

The details

The scholarships cover programs including automotive technology and early childhood education at Santa Fe Community College. The grant also pays for a workforce coordinator who connects local businesses and economic development partners with students, plus marketing to raise awareness of training opportunities.

Over the last 12 months: 184 students received scholarships through the initiative.
Two years ago: The City had excess revenues that were used as one-time funding.
2027: The continuation funding period for the initiative.

Roadmap

The initiative is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal relief law whose one-time dollars many cities are now deciding whether to replace with local revenue. Santa Fe's move to fund continuation from one-time excess revenues shows one path for keeping such programs running after federal money ends.

Eligible students in Santa Fe may find scholarship funding available for automotive technology and early childhood education programs at Santa Fe Community College. The continued funding into 2027 could affect whether these scholarships remain an option for students planning their training.

The takeaway

Federal relief money can seed workforce programs, but lasting ones often depend on local budget decisions after the grant ends. Students considering trade or early childhood training in Santa Fe should check current scholarship availability with the college.