ALBUQUERQUE, NM – August 6, 2025 – New Mexico Community Trust (NMCT) is proud to announce the recipients of the third annual Saving for Success Award Program in New Mexico. The Saving for Success Award is a college savings award program administered by NMCT with a mission to make higher education more affordable and accessible, especially to students in New Mexico who have financial need.  

Fourteen students from across the state, ranging in age from second to eighth grade, have received a Saving for Success Award during the 2025 award cycle. The goal of the Saving for Success Award program is to help prepare eligible K-8 students in New Mexico for future success in higher education through financial literacy education, encouragement, and an award of $1,000 in initial value invested in a 529 account with The Education Plan®, a 529 education savings plan sponsored by the State of New Mexico.  

“Congratulations to all Saving for Success award winners,” said Natalie Cordova, Executive Director, New Mexico Education Trust Board, the organization that administers The Education Plan®. “We know that these determined young students have a bright future ahead of them, and we’re honored to be a part of their education savings journey.”  

“These awards are more than just a financial boost, they’re a promise to New Mexico’s children that their dreams matter,” said Randy Royster, President & CEO of New Mexico Community Trust. “By investing early in their education, we’re not only easing the cost of college, we’re sending a powerful message: higher education is within reach for every student, no matter their circumstances.” 

Award recipients include: 

• Natalia Concha | Chamisal, NM |7th Grade 

• Hawk Dean | Ranchos de Taos, NM | 6th Grade 

• Holden Dean | Ranchos de Taos, NM | 6th Grade 

• Freya Hansen | Socorro, NM | 7th Grade 

• Nehemiah Harmon | Albuquerque, NM | 7th Grade 

• Jasmine Jackson | Albuquerque, NM | 5th Grade 

• Liberty Kirlin | Sandia Park, NM | 3rd Grade 

• Jayla Kirlin | Sandia Park, NM | 4th Grade 

• Ava O’Connor | Rio Rancho, NM | 8th Grade 

• Reyes Perea-Duran | Cleveland, NM | 8th Grade 

• Mayan Qais | Albuquerque, NM | 6th Grade 

• Lillie Grace Rosen | Albuquerque, NM | 8th Grade 

• Ryan Ward | Mesilla, NM | 2nd Grade 

• Davis Ward | Mesilla, NM | 8th Grade 

Hear from some of the recipients: 

“I want to thank you so much for this award,” said Ava O’Connor, an eighth-grader from Rio Rancho. “This award means so much to both me and my family. I am so grateful for this scholarship opportunity. I look forward to my future and what is yet to come. This money is a huge blessing that will change the course of my education. Thank you for this incredible opportunity.” 

“Thank you for this award, and I appreciate you,” said Liberty Kirlin, a third-grader from Sandia Park, whose mother added: “A special moment to be able to share with my daughter to start young to make goals for college. Thank you!” 

“Thank you soo much for this,” said Jasmine Jackson, a fifth-grader from Albuquerque. “It will be very helpful for life. When I first submitted the essay, I didn't think it would get anywhere, and look where we are at! I am very grateful for this, and it will help me with my education. I will use it wisely to make sure it can help me get through life, even with little steps. Once again, thank you sooo much for this wonderful prize!” 

“This award means the world to me,” said Lillie Grace Rosen, an eight-grader from Albuquerque. “One of the main things I value in my life is a good education. This award helps make that value much more accessible. I strive to make a difference in the world and in order to do this I need to have a good foundation. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to have a good foundation of knowledge so I can make my impact on the world. Everyone needs a helping hand and this award is a huge help towards my future, and the impact I will make on the world.” 

“It will help my family with the burden of college expenses,” said Nehemiah Harmon, a seventh-grader from Albuquerque. “I am raised by my grandma and she was so happy I qualified, she thanks you for your generosity. I will continue to put money in this account, thank you again.” 

“Thank you so much for selecting me for this scholarship, it is such an honor to receive this money,” said Ryan Ward, a second-grader from Mesilla. “I know this scholarship will carry me far in life!” 

“Education savings is one of the strongest foundations parents can put into place for their children,” added Cordova. “In addition to applying for future award cycles, we encourage all to look into 529 plans to learn how you can start saving for your child’s future today.”  

For more information, visit SavingforSuccessNM.com. If you are interested in helping to fund the Saving for Success Award, please visit https://go.abqcf.org/nmct-success. 

To learn more about The Education Plan® or to start your 529 plan, visit TheEducationPlan.com. 

New Mexico Community Trust (NMCT) is a tax-exempt public charity created to work in areas not serviced by existing community foundations. NMCT provides financial, investment, donor, and grant management services for communities across the state along with back-office support for multiple community foundations in the state. For more information, visit nmctrust.org. 

The Education Plan® is New Mexico’s Direct 529 Education Savings Plan administered by the New Mexico Education Trust Board. It’s a tax-advantaged way to save for education expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, fees and computer equipment at a four-year university, community college, professional school, or trade school. The money may be used at schools across the US, both traditional and online. Accounts grow tax-free and withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified higher education expenses. For New Mexico residents, there is an income tax deduction on contributions to an account with The Education Plan. For more information, visit TheEducationPlan.com.