On April 8, 2026, Mandela International Magnet School received a $1,000 award from the New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation. NMEAF gives out awards each year to the public and charter schools with the highest percentage of FAFSA completion according to classification. Amongst class 3A schools in New Mexico, Mandela seniors had the highest rate of FAFSA completion for a public school at a whopping 93%! Principal Randy Grillo stated that, "This award was a great surprise! Special recognition goes to our school counselor K.C. Dutcher for his role in encouraging their seniors in the college application and FAFSA process and to our volunteer college counselor, Peter Thorp, for his commitment to educating students and families on the college application process."
There was a collective decision that the funds from this award will go toward cap and gown payments for this years' seniors, meaning they will keep their caps and gowns at no charge this year.