Nestled within a valley of the Sangre de Cristos, Mora, New Mexico–one of SEDL’s Community Action Team sites–reflects both the rich traditions and the harsh struggles of many New Mexico mountain communities. In Mora, though, students are helping to tip the balance through a variety of entrepreneurial activities.

Two area resources–the Center for the Education and Study of Diverse Populations at nearby New Mexico Highlands University, and La Jicarita Enterprise Community–help to support entrepreneurial education for students in Mora and surrounding communities. Through a consortium of ten area school districts, the Center promotes career-focused student learning. Eric Romero, a research associate and the consortium’s coordinator, works with school staffs to increase awareness of the benefits and approaches of entrepreneurial education.

"For teachers to get involved," he observes, "they have to see a link between the activity and the state-mandated content standards and benchmarks." With accountability strongly linked to student performance on standardized tests, "if something doesn’t show up on a test score, teachers wonder why they should bother." The solution? Linking entrepreneurship to content standards, and involving teachers early in the planning process. Once they’re committed, Romero explains, teachers can be a project’s greatest resource, not only overseeing student activities but using their knowledge of the community to identify new business opportunities. In Mora, the consortium is exploring opportunities in sustainable agriculture and tourism.

La Jicarita Enterprise Community operates a school-to-work transition program in Mora and other nearby towns. The program provides training and materials through which students develop business plans; the training culminates in a trade fair where students attempt to sell their products to parents and community members.

As Michael Rivera, La Jicarita’s director for youth development, observes, however, "the real support is needed after the training is over." To help students who seek to turn their business plans into ongoing reality, the program sets up "incubator centers" where students can use the space, equipment, and supplies to further their enterprises. A youth entrepreneurship counselor is also available to offer advice and problem-solving strategies. Student-developed businesses to date include a produce market, a candlemaker, an airbrush artist, and a caterer specializing in wedding cakes.

Both Romero and Rivera have established links with Mora’s fledgling Community Action Team. Though action plans have yet to be finalized, the team is enthusiastic about the possibilities entrepreneurial education offers for both community development and students’ academic success.