DACC News

Latest News

News, announcements and stories from Doña Ana Community College.

Instructor Receives International Award

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) Dental Hygiene Professor Dr. Elmer González recently received an international award.  
Dr. González was presented the World Dental Hygienist Award from the Sunstar Foundation in Milan, Italy. Dr. González received the award during the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene last month.  
The World Dental Hygiene Awards are presented to dental hygienists around the world who have made outstanding contributions to oral health. The accolade also recognizes clinical care and research on education and community impact. The awards are given by both the Sunstar Foundation and the International Federation of Dental Hygienists. 
Dr. González is the first recipient from New Mexico to receive this international award. He is also one of six professionals chosen for the award series, and the first recipient of the Academia category. He is the current interim dean of DACC’s Business & Public Services Division and was previously the department chair for Dental Programs.  
As part of this award, Dr. González has gained global recognition and is a part of a global network of inspiring dental hygiene professionals.  
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Business Instructor Receives Teaching Award

One of Doña Ana Community College (DACC)’s instructors have been recognized for her excellence in teaching.  
The college’s Business Department Instructor Bobbi Noland earned the 2026 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Teaching Excellence Award. These awards are given to faculty and staff who shape the futures of community and technical college students. According to NISOD, recipients of this award have demonstrated outstanding commitment and contribution to their students, colleagues, and the college.  
Noland received the award during the NISOD Conference held May 24-26th in Austin, TX. NISOD is a national organization that provides budget-friendly, high-quality, and faculty-focused programs and resources for community and technical colleges when it comes to professional development.  
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Students Offered Free Tutoring

Students at Doña Ana Community College (DACC) can take advantage of free tutoring offered at all of the college’s campuses.  

DACC’s tutoring center, the Academic Readiness Center (ARC), provides free tutoring year-round to any student. The ARC is available at four DACC campuses: East Mesa Campus, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd., Espina Campus, 3400 S. Espina St., Gadsden Center, 1700 E. O’Hara Rd., and Sunland Park Center, 3365 McNutt Rd. Services are also offered via Zoom.  

Summer hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until August 6th. The Sunland Park Center is closed for in-person tutoring until Wednesday, August 19th when the fall semester begins. Tutoring hours for fall begin Monday, August 10th and will be:  

  • Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.  
  • Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays (closed at the Espina campus)  

 

Tutoring is offered on a walk-in basis or via appointment. For more information on the ARC, please visit Academic Readiness Center (ARC).  

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Welcome Back Bash

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) is excited to welcome students back to campus by hosting several welcome back bashes.  

Students and their families are welcome to attend the campus bashes at the following locations and days:  

  • Tuesday, August 11th: Gadsden Center, 1700 E. O’Hara Rd. in Anthony, NM from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  
  • Monday, August 17th: Espina Campus, 3400 S. Espina St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  
  • Tuesday, August 18th: East Mesa Campus, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Attendees will be given free DACC swag and other giveaways, plus, there will be free Dion’s food for the first 75 individuals at each location. The bash will offer students an opportunity to tour each campus, meet with academic departments and student resources, and sit in on information sessions.  

The event is co-sponsored by the college’s Student Government Association. 

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Open Computer Labs to Close

Open computer labs at two of Doña Ana Community College (DACC)’s campuses will be closed permanently next month.  

The labs at both the East Mesa campus, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd., and the Espina campus, 3400 S. Espina, will close effective on Friday, August 7th at 8 p.m. Students still have access to use computers at both campus libraries and tutoring centers.  

“As more students take advantage of DACC’s free iPad and laptop program, the need for open computer labs has decreased significantly over the years,” said Gerald Lisik, associate vice president for Information Technology. “Repurposing the open lab spaces will allow us to better meet the changing needs of our students. We also believe students will benefit from using the tutoring centers and libraries, where they have access to additional learning resources and support.” 

The college libraries and tutoring centers offer not only computer access, but printing and scanning services. Computer classrooms are also available for instructors who require computer testing, classes, or other activities for students.  

New or incoming DACC students may be eligible for a free iPad or laptop bundle through the college’s Xcite Program. Students must be first-time recipients, enrolled in at least six credits and in a degree program. The technology bundle distribution will occur August 13th and 14th at the bookstore on the New Mexico State University campus.  

For more information or to see if you qualify for the Xcite Program, go to DACC iPad Initiative.  

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Admission Still Available for Fall Semester

Prospective students can still apply for classes at Doña Ana Community College (DACC) for the 2026 fall semester.   

DACC offers affordable tuition, small class sizes, more than six locations and more. The fall semester begins Wednesday, August 19th, but there is still time for new students to apply for classes. Admission for DACC is available through the New Mexico State University (NMSU) website at New Mexico State University Admission Application.  

DACC students have access to many services offered throughout the college, including:  

  • Financial Aid 
  • Free iPad or MacBook (for those who qualify) 
  • Free tutoring 
  • Food pantry  
  • Mental health & wellness support 
  • Career services  
  • Accessibility resources 
  • Technology loaner program  
  • Career closet – professional dress clothing  
  • TimelyCare – free online health services 
  • In addition, DACC students have access to many resources offered to students at NMSU, including free admission to athletic games, campus housing, the Aggie Health & Wellness Center, and more.

Tuition rates run around $77 per credit hour or $921 a semester for full-time students living in the county, with discounted rates for students outside of Doña Ana County, and Texas residents.  Financial aid including the state lottery and opportunity scholarships is available for those who are eligible. 

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Students Place High at National Competition

Several students from Doña Ana Community College (DACC) received high marks at a national competition last month.  

Eight DACC students recently competed and placed high at the national SkillsUSA competition held in Atlanta, Georgia in June. The students earned 4th, 5th, 8th, 10th and 22nd place at the national competition out of more than 7,000 competitors. These students received first place at the state SkillsUSA competition held in March, which qualified them to represent New Mexico at the national competition.  

The competitors were:  

  • Gael Lugo, architectural drafting 
  • Julien Beltran, information technology services 
  • Estevan Smith, internetworking 
  • David Deal, technical computer applications 
  • Luis Velasco & Thomas Tucker, cybersecurity 
  • Ricardo Morales, sheet metal 
  • Chioma Abed-Amazu, computer programming 

The national competition brought in more than 19,000 attendees with state champions competing in over 100 competitions. For more information on SkillsUSA, visit www.skillsusa.org. 

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Building Construction Program Reaccredited

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) is happy to report that it has received reaccreditation for its Building Construction Technology Program.  
The program has been fully reaccredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). This accreditation means that DACC meets the standards and criteria to deliver standardized, industry-recognized construction training and certifications.  
For DACC, this means that students will receive a NCCER national certificate when they complete a course. The college produces more than 150 national certificates per year. The NCCER found that DACC’s Building Construction Technology Program “is well-positioned for continued growth through its structured training pathways, emphasis on hands-on learning, and integration of industry-relevant curriculum, including emerging areas such as solar energy, weatherization and plumbing.”  
The reaccreditation is good for three years. More information on the NCCER can be found at National Center for Construction Education & Research - NCCER. To learn more about DACC’s Building Construction Technology Program or to apply, visit our website at Building Construction Technology. 
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DACC Welcomes New VPAA

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) is happy to announce the appointment Dr. Michael Pullin as its new vice president of Academic Affairs.  
Dr. Pullin comes to DACC from Queensborough Community College in Bayside, New York where he served as dean of Academic Initiatives. Before that, Dr. Pullin was an associate dean of Science and Wellness at Broward College in Florida, and he spent 10 years at New Mexico Tech in Socorro, New Mexico, as both a faculty member and a department head. 
Dr. Pullin has a strong academic background in STEM, having earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Case Western Reserve (1992) and an MS (1995) and Ph.D. (1999) in Analytical Chemistry from Kent State University.   
  
“He brings deep academic background and broad administrative experience to the position,” says DACC Chancellor Dr. Mónica Torres. “His experience includes research, teaching, grant writing, public education outreach, STEM programming, early college high school, curriculum development, and administration.” 
  
Dr. Pullin began at the college on July 1st. As vice president of Academic Affairs, he will be responsible for the academic operations of the college. 
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DACC/EPE Celebrate Lineworker Anniversary

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) and El Paso Electric Company (EPE) are celebrating a big milestone, 10 years of their electrical lineworker program partnership.  
A decade ago, DACC and EPE kicked off a unique partnership to offer students an opportunity to attend school, while gaining employment with the electric company. The partnership allows students to earn a paid internship as they attend courses to obtain their electrical lineworker certificate. The program also includes a scholarship for students who participate. 
The year-long pre-apprenticeship prepares students with safe, hands-on experience taught by experts in the field. The opportunity allows students to work in a variety of weather conditions, climb poles more than 100 feet tall, operate bucket trucks, lifting heavy objects and trenching. 
Since the initiation of the program, EPE has hired 50 graduates from the program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for electrical lineworkers is more than $92,000 a year. To apply, students must be admitted to DACC, pass a background check and drug screening.  
For more information on the program, go to DACC’s website at Electrical Lineworker Program. 
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Community & Wellness Fairs

Students and the community are invited to attend one of two community resource and wellness fairs at Doña Ana Community College (DACC). 
The fairs will provide information on valuable resources from DACC and local partners. In addition, there will be free food, swag and music. The events will be: 
  • Wednesday, March 11th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Espina Campus, 3400 S. Espina Street inside Alex Sanchez Hall.  
  • Wednesday, March 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gadsden Center, 1700 E. O’Hara Rd., in Anthony, NM.  
These events are free and open to both DACC faculty, staff, students and the public. 
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Global Gaming Jam Showcase

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) will be showing students’ creativity and highlighting their talent in the world of gaming.  
Last month, several DACC students participated in the Global Game Jam event, where gamers are charged with creating a video game in just 48 hours. A theme is released, and gamers from around the world form teams and develop a game. DACC will be showcasing those games at a Global Game Jam Showcase and Game Development Meetup.  
This event will be held on Thursday, March 5th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cholla Hall, 2400 Film Street. Programmers from DACC, NASA and regional engineers originally participated in the annual Global Gaming Jam event last month. The upcoming showcase is open to DACC students, faculty, staff and members of the public.  
To learn more about DACC’s Game Development degree, visit our Creative Media Technology Program webpage at Creative Media Technology.  
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Free Movie Night

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) will be showing a free movie this week to kick off the college’s newest Architecture Student Club.  
The film, a documentary called My Architect, will be available for viewing on Friday, February 20th at DACC’s East Mesa Campus, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd., inside the auditorium from 5 to 7 p.m. This film is the first of several events this semester by The Coalition of Community College Architecture Students.  
My Architect is a 2003 film directed by Nathaniel Kahn, following his journey to understand his father who was legendary architect Louis Kahn. Kahn’s works include the Salk Institute and the Parliament in Bangladesh. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary.  
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Scholarship Drawing for Students

  
Several Doña Ana Community College (DACC) students will be randomly selected to receive extra funds, part of the annual DACC Scholarship Riches event.  
This is the third year of Scholarship Riches. This year, nearly double the number of students can win scholarships. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 17th from noon to 2 p.m. inside the DACC East Mesa Student Resources building, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd.  
This year, DACC will give out 15 scholarships for $1,000 each. These will be given through random drawings to eligible students who attend the event. Drawings will occur every half hour during the two-hour event. Last year, DACC provided eight scholarships for $500 each.  
This year’s scholarships are provided thanks to the generosity of Mr. Randy Farmer, Dr. Don Cotter, FirstLight Federal Credit Union, Evon Bradley and the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico.  
The event will offer information on the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, Scholar Dollar$, give students the opportunity to meet with scholarship donors and more.  There will be free food available for attendees.   
For more information on DACC scholarships, go to Scholarships.  
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Several Students Win Scholarships

  
Several Doña Ana Community College (DACC) students have a little extra funds for classes, thanks to the college’s annual Scholarship Riches event.  
Fifteen students were randomly selected and awarded $1,000 scholarships each during the event which took place on Tuesday, February 17th at the East Mesa Campus. The scholarships were generously provided by Mr. Randy Farmer, Dr. Don Cotter, FirstLight Federal Credit Union, Evon Bradley and the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. 
David Ruiz, a Nursing student who was one of this year’s winners, said these funds will help him and his family while he attends school and works two jobs, “So being able to have this, gives a little bit more breathing room so that I can actually  focus on my studies.” 
Automotive Technology student Andrea Varela, who was also a winner this year, says the funds will help with personal equipment for her courses. “It means I don’t have to take away money from what I have. (The scholarship) is very cool and it makes you think about how to give back to future students,” says Varela.  
Five students were randomly chosen each half an hour during the two-hour event and all students who attended received a free meal and dessert. The event also included representatives from several resources within the college and around the county, including information on the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, Scholar Dollar$, the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, DACC’s Veterans Program, the U.S. Army and more. 
For more information on DACC scholarships, go to Scholarships.  
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Dr. Rocha Presented with Prestigious Award

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) is proud to announce that Dr. Marnie Rocha has been selected for a prestigious award. 
 
Dr. Rocha, an instructor with DACC’s Education Program, was presented with the 2026 Donald C. Roush Excellence in Teaching Award for the college. Dr. Rocha was given the award on Friday, February 13th during DACC’s spring convocation. This annual award recognizes faculty members who consistently demonstrate extraordinary dedication and the highest standards of pedagogical excellence. 
Dr. Rocha joined DACC in 2023 and has more than 30 years of leadership experience in education. She has served as an associate superintendent and is an alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin. “Dr. Rocha translates a high-level of expertise into the classroom and models responsive teaching and high-context learning,” says Dr. Mónica Torres, chancellor of DACC.  
The Donald C. Roush Excellence in Teaching Award was established in February 1984 by NMSU’s Academic Dean’s Council upon retirement of Dr. Roush, executive vice president, in recognition of his unyielding dedication to the pursuit of teaching excellence. This award is based on information from students, department chairs/program directors and division deans.   
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Registration Events for Free Medical Services

Students at Doña Ana Community College (DACC) are invited to attend one of two events to help them register for access to free medical services.  
DACC is holding two registration events for TimelyCare, the college’s newest medical resource that offers free access for students. TimelyCare is a free online program that offers free mental health counseling, free doctors’ visits, savings between 65-80% on prescriptions and self-help tools for stress management, mindfulness, nutrition and more.  
Registration events will be held:  
  • Wednesday, February 4th at the East Mesa Campus, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd. from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 
  • Thursday, February 5th at the Espina Campus, 3400 S. Espina Street from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
TimelyCare is available 24/7 to all students and staff at DACC. There will be free food for students who register at this event, and a drawing for a free swag bag.  
 
TimelyCare services went into effect at the beginning of the fall semester. To access services and for more information on DACC’s TimelyCare services, go to  http://timelycare.com/dacc/. To learn more about TimelyCare itself, visit their website at TimelyCare | Virtual Health & Well-Being for Higher Education. 
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Culinary Students Sell Chocolate Boxes

Students part of Doña Ana Community College (DACC)’s Culinary Program are selling chocolates and goodies just in time for Valentine’s Day.  
Boxes of candies with a cupcake are being sold for Valentine’s Day for $10 each. Items include four hand-crafted chocolate truffles, caramel, ganache raspberry and cherry, along with one red velvet cupcake and buttercream frosting in each box. These are being sold as part of the DACC Culinary Program’s CHOP Club. 
The deadline to order is Wednesday, February 4th by 5 p.m. and can be submitted by emailing romero27@nmsu.edu with the subject line CUPIDS BOX. Boxes can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, February 12th and Friday, February 13th inside the DACC East Mesa campus, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd. in the Culinary lab located inside the student resources building.   
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Students/Community Participate in Global Gaming Event

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) is taking on the world of gaming. Several college students participated in a global gaming event this weekend, joining thousands around the world.  
Students and members of the public participated in the annual Global Jam Gaming event this past Friday and Saturday. This is a global challenge where gamers are charged with creating an entire video game in just 48 hours. Global Jam releases a theme, and teams create a game to match. Programmers from NASA and regional engineers participated.  
The event is annual and takes place locally at Cholla Hall, 2400 Film Street. The challenge is open to any participants interested in game design, or they can take a crash course at DACC in the production process.  
Global Game Jam is the world’s largest game creation event around the globe, according to its website. Each year, around 100 countries and 40,000 game creators participate in the event. For more information, go to Global Game Jam.  
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Dona Ana County/DACC Sign Water Technology MOU

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) and Doña Ana County have entered an agreement where DACC students will be hired as paid interns to work for the county.   
The county and DACC signed into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, January 23rd that will allow DACC Water Technology students to be hired as interns with Doña Ana County to prepare for future careers. As part of the agreement, the county will select four applicants in the college’s Water Technology Program who will be given the paid internships within the county’s Utilities Department for one full academic year. 
“This collaboration directly supports workforce development and water sustainability in southern New Mexico,” says Dr. Mónica Torres, chancellor of DACC. “By aligning education with county workforce needs, this MOU helps ensure that our region has a skilled, prepared workforce to support critical water infrastructure and public services.” 
DACC Chancellor Dr. Mónica Torres with Dona Ana County Assistant County Manager Stephen Lopez  
The internship will give students real-world experience through hands-on training and career exploration along with the skills and expertise necessary in this field. After students' graduate, they will be given opportunities to obtain careers within the county or region.  
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New Drone Course Offered

Interested in flying your own drone? Doña Ana Community College (DACC) is now offering an introduction course that will teach students proper drone usage. 
The college is offering this three-credit hybrid course as an introduction to drones and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology. Students will learn about real-world applications, architecture, engineering, construction, film, media and other technology-driven areas.   
Classes are hybrid, held online and on Mondays from 5:30-7:10 p.m. at the Workforce Center, 2345 Nevada Avenue. The course will explore best practices, training considerations, permissions, licensing, and documentation requirements, along with how data collected by drones is obtained, managed, and used.  
“This course is a great fit for anyone interested in expanding their technical knowledge, gaining hands on exposure to emerging technology, or simply learning something new that connects across disciplines,” says Dr. Laura De La Cruz, dean of Advanced Technologies. "The course also introduces emerging technologies and future applications, making it a great option for anyone curious about how drones are being integrated into today’s workforce.” 
For more information the course, go to: Basic Drone - UAS - Technology - Certificate of Completion | New Mexico State University Academic Catalog 
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Pickleball Tournament for the Pantry

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) is looking for those who like to play pickleball and make a difference in the community.  
The college is hosting the Pickleball Passion for the Pantry Tournament to raise funds for DACC’s FirstLight Comfort Casita food pantry. The tournament will be held on Valentine’s Day, February 14th at the NMSU Tennis Courts beginning at 9 a.m. Participants can choose to play in one of three divisions: advanced, intermediate or beginner.  
Registration cost is $40 per player and includes a t-shirt (registered by February 2nd), snacks and refreshments. There will be medals for gold, silver and bronze, including raffles for high-value paddles, bags, balls, and more.
This event helps ensure students have access to nutritious food which enables them to focus on their studies and achieve academic goals. 
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DACC Closed for Martin Luther King

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) campuses and centers will be closed on Monday, January 19th in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Campuses and centers will reopen on Tuesday, January 20th.  
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Vendors Sought for Financial Fair

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) is calling all vendors interested in participating in a financial wellness fair.   
The fair will be held on Thursday, April 9th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Student Resources building at the East Mesa campus, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd. The college is seeking businesses and organizations involved in financial services, such as banks, credit unions, investment firms and debt management companies.   
The purpose of the event is to provide information to students and the public about financial literacy, such as identity theft, credit scores, responsible credit card use, and investments. Registration is free. Vendors can fill out forms    
Please contact Gina Reyes, DACC director of Avanza at greyes@dacc.nmsu.edu or (575) 528-7372 for questions or information. 
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DACC Dental Clinic Open for Patients

  
Doña Ana Community College (DACC)’s dental clinic continues to accept patients who are looking for a low-cost dental facility.   
The clinic is open to the public and accepts patients of all ages. The facility accepts Delta Dental, Medicaid and self-pay. Services are by appointment and include: 
  • Dental exams 
  • Full range of comprehensive dental services, including extractions, restorations and much more. These services are provided by the staff dentist.  
  • Full range of preventive dental hygiene services, including dental cleanings, periodontal therapy and more. 
The college recently welcomed the addition of Dr. Bianca Ramirez, DMD, as its new staff dentist. Dr. Ramirez has experience in general and pediatric dentistry, having worked in El Paso, Las Cruces, Lordsburg and Deming. She has been an adjunct clinical faculty at NMSU/DACC Dental Programs.  
To make an appointment at the clinic, please call (575) 528-7071 or email the clinic at daccdentalclinic@dacc.nmsu.edu. 
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Free Medical Services for Students

As we are amid the cold and flu season, Doña Ana Community College (DACC) reminds students, faculty and staff they have access to free healthcare services online.  
There is access to free resources for mental and physical health through TimelyCare for those at DACC with an NMSU ID number. The online program offers free mental health counseling, free doctor visits, savings from 65-80% on prescriptions and self-help tools such as resources for stress management, mindfulness, nutrition and more.  
“This resource is so important to students. To be able to provide free medical services to students as part of our wraparound services is so impactful and necessary,” says Dr. Jesse Haas, associate vice president of Student Engagement. 
TimelyCare services went into effect at the beginning of the fall semester. To access services and for more information on DACC’s TimelyCare services, go to  http://timelycare.com/dacc/. To learn more about TimelyCare itself, visit their website at TimelyCare | Virtual Health & Well-Being for Higher Education. 
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The magic of discovery

"How a southern New Mexico college is making workforce development work for everyone"

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has written an article about Mary Ulrich's Personal and Career Discovery course. The course is designed for students whose “potential contributions to the workforce have been ignored or dismissed". You can read more about it here:

The magic of discovery | Every Child Thrives

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