By: Carrie Ratkevich, Staff Reporter | Photo By: Scott M. Roberts, Photojournalist
Bicycles abandoned on campus are being donated to students in need to help them stay in school, said CNM Security Lieutenant Marquessa Hawkins.
The security department and CNM Connect have teamed up to help students with transportation, said Hawkins, who is in charge of the program.
“There are students who are really indigent; they really need the help,” said Hawkins.
Director of Security Ernie Chavez and Vice President of Student Services Philip Bustos created the program nearly a year ago. The program has helped five students so far, said Hawkins.
The program can help students get around and help them to finish school, said Bustos.
“Ernie Chavez deserves all the credit. I just got to sign off on it,” said Bustos.
Students can be referred for a bike by a member of security or CNM Connect Achievement Coach Chioma Heim, said Heim via email. The student is then interviewed and has to provide proof of insufficient transportation, said Heim.
“And that acquiring the bike will help them get to school and remain in school,” said Heim.
Bicycles donated to students are found on CNM property and held at lost and found for a minimum of 90 days, said Hawkins. Security does not fix these bicycles for the student, said Hawkins.
Upon approval, Hawkins said she takes the student to pick out a bike. Students can receive a bicycle this way once, she said.
The number of available bicycles varies depending on how many bicycles are abandoned on campus, said Hawkins.
