Purpose

The purpose of this manual is to outline the general operations and roles and responsibilities of the Student Support Services Program, operated under the Pueblo of Acoma Department of Education.

Student Support Services Program Overview

The Student Support Services Program oversees and coordinates supplemental educational services through Johnson O’Malley, the Adult and Higher Education programs.

  • Acoma Higher Education Program (AHE)
    1. The Pueblo of Acoma contracts with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to administer the Acoma Higher Education Program. Funds are annually appropriated by Congress to aid eligible, enrolled Acoma Tribal members seeking two-year associate or four-year bachelor’s degrees at accredited post-secondary institutions.
    2. The AHE Program includes Pell Grants, SEOG and SSIG Grants, work study, student loans, etc.
    3. Student Support Services staff are responsible for managing the application process, including accepting applications and supporting documentation. Staff are also responsible for maintaining relationships with schools, students, parents, etc. to support the outreach and implementation of this program.
  • Adult Education Program
    1. The Adult Education Program provides the Acoma community adults with an awareness of education needs and opportunities that will strengthen and expand, cultural, intellectual, and social development and occupational competence.
    2. Student Support Services staff are responsible for assisting with:
      • Efforts to help students or adults who didn’t graduate from high school complete the requirements for High School Equivalency (HSE) certificates.
      • Provide tuition for community members and employees to expand and enhance job and personal skills at UNM/CNM/NMSU/ Grants Community College.
      • Providing support services to help acquire basic and professional skills for workplace and society in general.
  • Johnson O’Malley
    1. The Johnson O’Malley Program provides supplemental educational services to Acoma students who possess membership in a federally recognized tribe. Programs are designed to meet the unique educational needs of eligible students. The Acoma Johnson O’Malley Program provides educational assistance to the Pueblo of Acoma students enrolled in the Grants/Cibola School District (GCCS).
    2. Student Support Services is responsible for administering the program, including:
      • Issuing school supplies to students once per year (August) at the ADOE or individual schools within the GCCS.
      • Managing tutoring services for students, generally after school at GCCS sites of the ADOE.
      • Managing after school Special Transportation for students participating in tutoring, extra-curricular activities, and athletic activities at GCCS schools.
      • Ensuring bad instruments are available for students.
      • Acting as the parental student advocate and educational counselor.