http://youtu.be/jLyeamqHV-I
Improving education around the state continues to be a top priority for lawmakers. Recently, United States Senator Jeff Bingaman paid a visit to New Mexico's only Early College High School.
Tenth grader, Angel Martinez is doing everything he can in order to graduate.
"When I go for something like my education, I'm pushing it, everyday," he said.
And much like his peers, Martinez wants to make a difference once he finishes school.
"I want to be a bio medical engineer, basically I want to make prosthetics because well, the ones that they have now, they work but they're not as great as they can be, I guess," said Martinez.
Martinez attends Arrowhead Park, the state's only Early College High School and a place he considers his home away from home.
"I don't really come from the riches family, we don't have a lot of money, we've had to move occasionally due to not being able to make bills so, I'd have to move around a lot, but at this school, what I like is no matter where I am they treat me the same always," said Martinez.
The school has 232 Freshman and Sophomores, 63 percent of whom are the first members of their families to attend college.
"I think the school is more than just education. Its life based, its teaching you life skills that you're going to need. Our school motto is failure is not an option, but I say failure is only an option for those who choose," said student Dhalea Macias.
United States Senator Jeff Bingaman recently toured the facility, visiting classrooms and talking with teachers and students. He says what makes the school a good place to learn is its equipment, small classroom size and its dedicated teachers.
"I think the school district seems to be recognizing that this is the right model for high schools and they are going to try and replicate this and have others, through out the school district. I think that's clearing the right way to go and I'm glad to see they're doing it," he said.
Bingaman says similar schools will only help improve student success and reduce the dropout rate.
"I think this is absolutely crucial, the kind of education they are getting here, preparing them to take good jobs and do well in their careers, it's exactly what we need to be providing for all students," said Bingaman.