← Help in Grant County

Wants to go to college or trade school

Use when an adult wants to start or go back to college, earn a certificate, learn a trade, or join an apprenticeship, and needs help applying or paying for it.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1Talk about their goal

You can ask"What kind of work do you want to do? A degree, a short certificate, or learning a trade on the job?"
You can ask"Do you have a high school diploma or GED?"

2Apply to WNMU in Silver City

Western New Mexico University
Admissions
575-538-6000
1000 W College Ave, Silver City
Western New Mexico University
University main / toll-free line
800-872-9668
1000 W College Ave, Silver City
Bring
  • photo ID
  • Social Security number
  • high school diploma or GED
  • income or tax papers if they have them

3Ways to pay for school

New Mexico Higher Education Department
NM Opportunity Scholarship (free tuition at NM public colleges)
(800) 279-9777
America's Job Center New Mexico - Southwestern Area (SAWDB / SCCOG)
WIOA tuition assistance (Individual Training Account) and supportive services
(575) 538-3737
420 W. Broadway Street, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, closed noon-1pm
NM Workforce Connection - Silver City (America's Job Center)
Job search, training and unemployment help
575-538-3737
420 W. Broadway St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm (may close 12-1 for lunch)
Working, with low or moderate income? Matched savings can help pay for school:
Prosperity Works
Individual Development Accounts (IDA) matched savings
505-217-2747
909 Copper Ave NW, Albuquerque

4Short job training in town

Western New Mexico University - Community and Workforce Development
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course
(575) 538-6290
WNMU main campus, Silver City
Western New Mexico University - Applied Technology
Welding Technology training (NCCER certificates, fast-track certificate, AAS)
(575) 538-6286
Juan Chacon Building, ground floor, WNMU campus, Silver City
Western New Mexico University - Applied Technology
Electrical Technology training (NCCER certificates, fast-track certificate, AAS)
(575) 538-6286
Juan Chacon Building, ground floor, WNMU campus, Silver City
Western New Mexico University - Community and Workforce Development
Workforce programs: CDL, IT boot camps, Ed2Go online courses
(575) 538-6290
WNMU campus, Silver City

5Get paid while learning a trade

You can say"In an apprenticeship, you get paid while you learn a trade."
NM Department of Workforce Solutions - Apprenticeship
Registered apprenticeship (earn while you learn in a trade)
575-538-3737
· Statewide phone/online
Southwest Carpenter and Affiliated Trades JATC
Union carpentry apprenticeship
(505) 268-4396
3900 A Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque
NM Laborers' Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (LIUNA Local 16)
Construction craft laborer apprenticeship
(505) 296-3631
10000 B Acoma Rd. SE, Albuquerque

6Special help

Veteran, or the spouse or child of a veteran:
Western New Mexico University
Office of Veterans Affairs (GI Bill and veteran student help)
575-538-6208
Juan Chacon Building, 1000 W College Ave, Silver City
Has a disability, or is in recovery:
NM Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) - Silver City office
Job training and job placement for people with disabilities
575-538-5351
3088 32nd St. Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Weekday business hours (call)
Western New Mexico University
WNMU Student Accessibility Office (disability accommodations)
575-538-6277
Global Resource Center, Meeting Room E, 1000 W. College Ave., Silver City
Was in foster care (ages 18 to 26):
NM Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD)
Fostering Connections (extended foster care and aging-out support, 18-26)
Santa Fe · State office hours
Age 16 to 24 with low income:
Job Corps (U.S. Department of Labor) - National Admissions
Job Corps admissions line (free residential job training, ages 16-24)
(800) 733-5627
Once enrolled at WNMU:
Western New Mexico University - One Stop
Student One Stop (basic needs center)
575-538-6905
Student Life Office, 3rd Floor, Student Memorial Building, 1000 W College Ave, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

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If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.