In accordance with NMSA § 22-1-17, each school district and charter school must adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy and that adheres to minimum requirements issued by the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED).

Because of the increasing prevalence of wireless communication devices in schools, ensuring that students have access to safe, high-quality education without disruptions from personal wireless communication devices is key. Schools across the country have seen success from policies controlling the use of cellphones and other wireless communication devices during instructional hours. In studies conducted nationwide, restricting the use of these devices has been shown to support anti-bullying efforts and promote social emotional health amongst students.[1] [2]

In an effort to support schools implementing their Wireless Communication Device Policy, The Office of Broadband Access & Expansion (OBAE), pursuant to their authority under NMSA §§63-9J-5 – 63 9J-7, may fund projects to control broadband connectivity in school districts and school buildings. School districts and charter schools may apply for grant funding to purchase physical items and/or services necessary to implement their Wireless Communication Device Policy. 

To request funding for the purchases of qualifying physical items or services, please complete the following brief application. Because funds to be allocated for this purpose are limited, we ask that you submit your application by July 31, 2026, to be considered for this funding.

Grant funding is limited, and applications will be processed and funded on a first-come first serve basis. Should applications exceed the amount of funding available, they will be rolled over to the following fiscal year.

Please note, in order to be eligible for the funds, each school requesting funding must indicate that they have implemented a wireless communication device policy in accordance with NMSA §22-1-17, that adheres to the most recent guidance issued by PED. A copy of the policy must be uploaded with the application, along with a narrative explaining how the physical items, services, or software being requested will assist in the implementation or enforcement of the policy. 

PLEASE NOTE: ALL ITEMS PURCHASED WITH GRANT FUNDS MUST BE THE PROPERTY OF THE SCHOOL OR SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVING THE AWARD and will be subject to all applicable inventory or asset management procedures in place for the awardee.

Purpose:

This application is intended for all New Mexico K-12 public school districts and state-chartered charter schools seeking funds to implement and enforce their Wireless Communication Device Policy. 

Districts are asked to complete the application in consideration of the needs for all schools in their district, and will purchase supplies, if funded, on behalf of the schools in their district. Individual schools and local charter schools interested in this funding opportunity are asked to reach out to their appropriate contact, and/or district business manager, if they need supplies.

[1] Buck, D., & Golin, J. (2026). Phone-Free Schools to Protect Adolescents. JAMA Pediatrics, 180(4), 359–360. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.6422

[2] Iappelli, N. K. (2025, July 20). Digital devices and student interaction: A post-pandemic examination. William Paterson University. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED676272.pdf