N.M. House OKs bill to expand lottery scholarship

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – The House has approved a proposal to allow New Mexico students to receive a lottery-financed scholarship if they attend a tribal college in the state.

The measure unanimously passed the House on Feb. 22 and goes to the Senate for consideration.

The bill will permit American Indian students from New Mexico to qualify for a lottery scholarships if they attend Dine College, the Institute of American Indian Arts, the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute and Navajo Technology College.

The scholarships cover the cost of tuition.

Currently, a high school student must enroll in a public college or university in New Mexico the semester after graduation, attend full time and maintain a 2.5 point grade point average to receive a scholarship.