ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Construction is underway on a $30 million literacy institute designed to strengthen reading and learning outcomes for people of all ages across New Mexico, with completion expected by the end of 2026.
.jpg)
The 30,000-square-foot, first-of-its-kind facility will serve up to 500 students at a time and feature state-of-the-art technology, along with both indoor and outdoor learning spaces. While the center will support learners of all ages, state leaders say its primary focus will be improving adult literacy, an area where New Mexico continues to face significant challenges.
State lawmakers approved funding for the project, which is being built on an empty lot near Lomas Boulevard and University Boulevard, adjacent to the main University of New Mexico campus.
“We are trying to do everything we can to make a direct investment in education. With this, we’re showing that this is going to be a direct correlation and helping literacy rates,” said Anna Silva, cabinet secretary of the New Mexico General Services Department.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham first proposed the literacy institute in 2023, citing troubling statewide literacy data. According to the most recent figures from the National Institute of Education Sciences, New Mexico ranks second-to-last in the nation for adult literacy. The institute categorizes reading ability into six levels and reports that 29% of New Mexican adults are at or below level one, which is seven percentage points higher than the national average.
.jpg)
Education officials say the new institute will provide free access to reading and literacy services for residents who need support.
“Adults who need any sort of literacy or reading support could come and receive those supports at the Literacy Center,” said Marianna Padilla, cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department.
In addition to serving adult learners, the facility is expected to offer training, resources, and instructional support for educators, helping strengthen how reading is taught statewide.
State leaders point to early success from existing literacy initiatives. They say summer reading boot camps for grade school students have already helped increase statewide reading scores by 10 points over the past three years, suggesting that targeted interventions can deliver measurable improvements.
Once completed, the literacy institute is expected to become a central hub for education access and workforce readiness, supporting New Mexico’s broader efforts to improve long-term academic and economic outcomes.
Originally reported by Griffin Rushton in KOB.
.png)
