Great Grant: Christina Kent

Christina Kent Early Childhood Center

Christina Kent Early Childhood Center serves children of economically diverse, working families with quality childcare, early education and nutritional services in a safe and nurturing environment. Through their educational programs, Christina Kent offers childcare/early childhood education for children ages two to five years old. Christina Kent’s programs expand beyond education and include a Mobile Food Pantry to their families and the community. Each month, the pantry distributes 4,000 pounds of food to over 100 families, many of whom are living below the federal poverty line.

In 2015, the Foundation supported Christina Kent’s multifaceted, T.E.A.C.H. Scholar Program. This program, aimed to empower and educate the teachers of Christina Kent, provides teachers with tuition, book scholarships and the opportunity to continue their education and skills development as early childhood educators.

Most early childhood educators are low wage, female workers who, in New Mexico, earn an average of $9.98 per hour or $18,600 per year. Allison has been a T.E.A.C.H. Scholar for the past three semesters. She is pursuing an Associates degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education and has completed half of the credits toward graduation. When Allison joined the T.E.A.C.H. program, she was an assistant teacher in Christina Kent's PreK Classroom. She loves teaching children ages four and five years old. Because of her educational attainment, work experience and passion, Allison was promoted to lead teacher in the PreK Classroom. Her salary increased by over $5,000 per year in this new position. The T.E.A.C.H. program allows early childhood educators across New Mexico to significantly improve their economic status.

Through the T.E.A.C.H. Scholar Program, teachers have increased access to education, and eventually, increased income. Because of this program, families and children at Christina Kent benefit from passionate, dedicated and caring teachers who place the well-being of Albuquerque’s youth at the forefront of their professional careers.

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