In New Mexico, a movement is underway to transform education and ensure that every student has access to engaging, meaningful learning experiences throughout their educational careers. The days of spending every class period seated at a desk are changing, and schools are dedicated to doing things different. 

EQ2, or Equipped for Equity (a Future Focused Education initiative), is a statewide effort to energize New Mexico’s education system with student-led, culturally-responsive practices that have been proven to increase equity and boost student engagement. 

Working side-by-side with schools and youth, EQ2 offers customized, co-created professional development tailored to each school’s unique context—resulting in more culturally responsive, student-centered learning environments.

“EQ2 partners want something different,” says Lisa Harmon-Martínez, Director of Learning by Doing at Future Focused Education. “They crave creativity inside and outside the classroom, and they value culturally-responsive and student-centered ways to engage their students.”

New Mexico students are deeply talented and ambitious, yet many are underserved by an outdated and inequitable system, as highlighted by the state’s recent Yazzie/Martiniez decision. Our students are disengaging from traditional school days, but when connected to real-world work, student identity, and authentic assessment, young people are reengaging and excited to be at school. 

Something Principle Lucie Hall at Roswell University High School understands well.

In Roswell, New Mexico, University High School has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of its students. Much like its Phoenix mascot, the school has undergone transformation—rising each time stronger, more responsive, and more aligned with student success.

"We believe that University High School is an opportunity school,” says Principal Hall. “An opportunity to recover credits, learn a trade, and a high school diploma.  We are proud to be building new traditions that will contribute to our community."

Recognizing the need for continuous innovation, Principal Hall invited EQ2 to collaborate with staff to co-create forward-thinking, student-centered learning opportunities.  

The school’s efforts are centered around experiential learning—providing real-world opportunities for students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom, while also fostering strong networks of support within their local environment. The educators and leadership at Roswell University High School are committed to reimagining student learning by adopting innovative strategies that promote personalization, engagement, and deep collaboration. Their goal is to create dynamic and effective learning environments that reengage students and empower them to succeed.

EQ2’s core approach involves three key elements:

• Capstones: culminating student-led projects that allow students to explore their interests and apply their learning to real-world, paid work
• Graduate Profiles: defining the knowledge, skills, and dispositions students should have upon graduation, setting them up to be successful in their own communities
• Work-Based Learning: providing students with real-world, hands-on experiences, internships, and connections to community partners, employers, and industry professionals

In partnership with EQ2, the team at University High School is investing in youth to build a healthier and more prosperous community in Roswell. They aspire to be a leader in creating meaningful connections between students, industry professionals, and community partners—cultivating sustainable change and expanding opportunities for all learners.

Educators are at the heart of New Mexico’s educational transformation. EQ2 is committed to delivering professional development that schools and districts truly want and need. By working in partnership with schools and educators, like those at Roswell University High School, EQ2 provides support tailored to diverse needs, helping schools implement innovative, meaningful change that students are asking for.