City, APS Expand School-Based Violence Intervention Program to 11 Schools

ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque and Albuquerque Public Schools are expanding the School-Based Violence Intervention Program to seven additional; school, bringing the program’s support to 11 schools across the city.

The expansion reflects the City’s approach to broadening the approach to public safety by creating conditions for students to feel supported, connected and able to see a path towards success. 

“Every young person deserves to have someone in their corner, especially when they’re facing tough challenges,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Through SBVIP, we are keeping our commitment to restore safety by interrupting cycles of violence, while setting our kids up for future success.”

The Albuquerque Community Safety Department operates the program, proving both full-time and part-time, on-campus support for students who are navigating violence, trauma, and disconnection from school. Intervention Specialist build relationships with students, provide unique mentorship and help connect students to critical resources like housing, food security and job placement.

SBVIP currently operates at West Mesa High School, RFK High School, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School and Del Norte High School. The expansion brings the program to the following schools:

• • Albuquerque High School
  • Cibola High School
  • John Adams Middle School
  • Kennedy Middle School
  • Manzano High School
  • Truman Middle School
  • Wilson Middle School

The program’s expansion reflects a strong partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools in alignment with APS’ Goals and Guardrails which serves as a roadmap for student success, setting clear, measurable targets rooted in community priorities like literacy, math, and post-secondary readiness.

"At APS, we do more than teach math and reading. We teach students how to regulate their emotions and resolve conflicts,” said Superintendent Gabriella Durán-Blakey. “The expansion of the school-based violence intervention program builds on this work, and we’re grateful to the city for partnering with us to strengthen this safety net for our students."

Since its launch in 2022, SBVIP has shown measurable success: GPA increases, higher graduation rates, reduced suspensions, and positive post-graduation outcomes. In the 2025-2026 school year, the program saw all 13 of its seniors graduate their respective high schools.

“Students deserve to feel seen, supported, and empowered of reaching their goals,” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “Through SBVIP, we walk alongside students, offering guidance, connection, and support when they need it most.” 

For more information on SBVIP visit the School-Based Violence Intervention Program page School-Based Violence Intervention Program (SBVIP) — City of Albuquerque on our website or to refer a student, email: [email protected].

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About Albuquerque Community Safety

Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.