New Mexico pueblo's casinos are key to scholarship program

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – Tribes in New Mexico say revenue from their casinos has been crucial in developing scholarship programs and boosting graduation rates.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that several Indian pueblos in the state are siphoning more gambling funds each year into college scholarships.

Leaders of the Pojoaque Pueblo, which operates two casinos, say their scholarship program is why the tribe's graduation rate is currently 85 percent, compared to 50 percent a decade ago.

They say the $1.5 million set aside for college scholarships each year all comes from gaming.

Gambling enterprises have been a source of contention between some tribes and the state.

The Pojoaque Pueblo and Gov. Susana Martinez's administration have failed to agree on a new gambling compact to replace one set to expire this year.

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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com