#United States #Rio Rancho #CNM #Transportation Tech

New Mexico Community College Partners with School District on Transportation Education

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) has taken a significant step forward by breaking ground on a cutting-edge Transportation Technology Center, which is set to enhance Career Technical Education (CTE) offerings for local high school students. This initiative is a collaboration between CNM and the Rio Rancho Public Schools (RRPS), aimed at preparing students for careers that are increasingly in demand in the transportation sector.

Located on the campus of RioTECH, a newly established Career Technical Education high school that commenced operations in April, the Transportation Technology Center is designed to provide high school students with unprecedented access to hands-on learning experiences. The center will open its doors in the Fall of 2026, expanding the existing trades programs at RioTECH by relocating automotive and electric vehicle technology courses, as well as introductory classes in diesel equipment technology.

Bridging Education to Employment

As CNM President Tracy Hartzler noted, “This groundbreaking marks another momentous milestone in broadening opportunities for high school students while addressing the workforce needs of our local economy.” The state-of-the-art facility will feature modern labs that replicate real-world automotive repair shops, ensuring that students are equipped with the latest tools and technologies required in today’s job market.

These facilities are not just about driving home the skills needed; they also include features to foster a supportive learning environment such as classrooms and faculty spaces with advanced connectivity to the labs, enhancing both safety and teaching efficacy. This setup allows students to immerse themselves fully in their studies while receiving real-time feedback and guidance from instructors.

Creating Pathways to Careers

The new Transportation Technology Center aims to establish clear, accessible pathways to quality careers in transportation. High school students enrolled in CNM’s dual credit classes will benefit from free tuition while earning credits that count towards both high school graduation and college degrees. The opportunities available for these students include obtaining industry-recognized credentials, certificates, or even associate degrees before they even graduate high school.

With an emphasis on alignment between technical training and academic learning, CNM and RRPS have designed the programs to be comprehensive and relevant to the current needs of the industry. This integration allows students to complete all their coursework on-site at RioTECH, eliminating the need for travel and ensuring that they gain essential skills in a way that directly relates to potential employers.

Advanced Facilities and Features

The Transportation Technology Center will encompass 43,800 square feet of innovative design that includes:

• - Specialized Labs: These labs are crafted to simulate professional environments with all the latest technology and tools, thus providing students with invaluable experiences.
• - Electric Vehicle Lab: A well-equipped lab dedicated to the growing field of electric vehicle technology, featuring a tool room and battery storage for comprehensive training.
• - Automotive Electric Systems Lab: Designed to dive deep into automotive systems, ensuring students grasp the complexities of modern vehicles.
• - Fleet Storage: Ample room for 85 vehicles, facilitating practical hands-on training with diverse automotive scenarios.
• - Vehicle Showcase: A prominent display area at the entrance that highlights the dynamism within transportation careers, coupled with a reception area and conference room for collaborative events and gatherings.

Celebrating Commitment to Education

This initiative also marks CNM’s 60th anniversary—a time when it is reaffirming its dedication to skilled trades education. Automotive Repair was one of the institution’s inaugural programs when it started as the Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute in 1965. The ongoing collaboration with RRPS, along with the establishment of the Transportation Technology Center, underscores CNM's commitment to adapting and advancing education in line with future workforce demands.

In a world where technical expertise is essential, the CNM’s partnership with Rio Rancho Public Schools represents a progressive approach to education and workforce development, paving the way for a skilled generation ready to tackle the challenges of the transportation industry.