The University of New Mexico-Gallup’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program provides adult learners in Gallup, New Mexico, with opportunities to earn high school equivalency diplomas and receive workforce training, including commercial driver’s license (CDL) certification. The program supports students like Marisol Reynolds, 31, who moved from California to Gallup and became CDL certified in less than a year.
Reynolds originally planned to study nursing after completing her high school equivalency. She changed her focus when the ABE program offered to pay for CDL training. Reynolds passed the CDL exam on her second attempt. She credits the ABE staff for their support during the process.
In 2025, the ABE program at UNM-Gallup experienced funding reductions from the U.S. Department of Education. Additional funding from the New Mexico Legislature allowed the program to continue. Program Manager Jacinta Sice, who has led the program for over 17 years, reports that enrollment has increased to more than 150 students per year…