How do we increase graduation rates? 

Denni Cheney, President and CEO of The Bridge of Southern New Mexico will be the featured speaker at the January meeting of the MVEDA Business in the Borderplex Forum. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, 705 S. Telshor. The meeting will begin with a hot entree buffet and a brief update by MVEDA staff.

A New Mexico State University graduate and New Mexico native, Denni joined The Bridge of Southern New Mexico in February 2015. She has been involved in key Las Cruces community service campaigns for the past nine years.  Denni brings a passion for education to The Bridge, with more than 20 years of volunteer leadership and service in public schools in five New Mexico communities.

The Bridge advocates for student educational success, workforce readiness and economic development in Dona Ana County and statewide. The Bridge’s collaborative mission demonstrates how business works hand-in-hand with educational leaders to build New Mexico’s future labor force, entrepreneurs, innovators and civic leaders. More than 25 public and private partners are working together to achieve the state’s highest graduation rates and optimize career/technical education.

The Bridge laid the foundation for the state’s first early college high school, Arrowhead Park Early College High School in Las Cruces, and now supports four early college high schools statewide. The Bridge is building a “community of mentors” for students by promoting hands-on business internships, supporting student-focused teacher training, and expanding parents’ capacity as strong mentors for their children.

Advance registration is $25.00 per person, payable by major credit card via the secure PayPal portal on the registration form. Payment at the door with cash, check or credit card is $30.00 per person. Due to space constraints reservations are required. Registration closes Thursday, December 31, 2015.