School-Based Violence Intervention Program (SBVIP)

Our Purpose

The School-Based Violence Intervention Program (SBVIP) is a full-time mentorship and intervention program from the Albuquerque Community Safety Department (ACS). It focuses on reducing youth violence, especially gun violence, by addressing root causes and helping students feel safe and supported at school.

SBVIP bridges the gap between schools and social services by placing full-time mentors, called Intervention Specialists, directly on campus. These trusted adults support students facing serious challenges in or outside of school. They work closely with students, families, and school staff to understand what’s happening in a young person’s life, connect them to resources, and remove barriers to success.

This close partnership with schools, combined with a focus on trust and individualized support, helps students stay in school, graduate, and plan for what comes next. 

Our Approach

SBVIP currently has a dedicated presence at four APS high schools, with the ability to support students at any high school in the district. The program continues to grow in response to need and school partnerships.

On-site mentors provide consistent, compassionate support

Mentors meet regularly with students to build trust, offer guidance, and help them stay on track toward graduation. These check-ins provide space to talk through challenges, celebrate wins, and create a plan for what comes next. Intervention Specialists also stay in close communication with school staff to ensure support is consistent across the student’s academic and personal life.

Holistic support for students and their families

SBVIP takes a whole-person, whole-family approach. Mentors support youth in both school and home environments, offering wraparound services that include:

• One-on-one mentorship and goal setting
• Academic support (including elective credit opportunities)
  
• Life skills training
  
• Case management
  
• Housing support
  
• Food security
  
• Job connection
  
• Family wraparound services
  

Elective Credit

At select campuses, students can earn high school elective credit through an NMPED-approved course called Skills for Success (Course Code #53013). Topics include substance abuse prevention, healthy relationships, gang avoidance, financial literacy, and more.

Serving students with high exposure to violence, trauma, or instability

SBVIP supports students facing serious risk factors — whether from violence in their community, instability at home, or negative involvement with peers. Many are navigating what’s often called the school-to-prison pipeline.

Long-term relationships with a plan for what comes next

Students remain in the program through high school graduation or until age 18. Mentors help develop a post-graduation plan—whether it’s further education, employment, or connection to ACS’s adult Violence Intervention Program (VIP) for continued support.

Our Impact

Since launching in 2022, SBVIP has grown in both reach and impact. Below are key data points that highlight why the program exists, how it’s expanding, and the results it’s delivering for students and schools.

Why It Matters

While youth violence in Albuquerque has recently begun to decline, long-term trends show cause for concern — especially for young people most at risk of disconnection from school and support systems.

• Juvenile homicides increased 65% between 2016 and 2022.
• Firearm involvement in juvenile offenses rose 21% during that same period.
• About 1 in 9 youth aged 16–24 in Albuquerque are not in school or employed, and nearly 40% are only loosely connected to education or the workforce.

SBVIP was created in direct response to these challenges, focusing on early intervention, trust-building, and long-term support to keep students connected, safe, and moving forward.

What We’ve Built

SBVIP has grown rapidly in reach, capacity, and alignment with school and community needs.

• Expanded to four dedicated APS high schools, with the ability to support students across the entire district
  
• Supported 94 student intakes in the 2024–25 school year — a 553% increase year over year
  
• Maintained 74 active student cases during the school year
  
• Introduced a new elective credit course (Skills for Success) focused on life skills, offered at two schools and reaching nine students in its first year
  
• Saw a 208% increase in participants from December 2024 to May 2025

This growth reflects strong partnerships with school staff and the program’s ability to adapt to the unique needs of each campus.

What We’ve Achieved

SBVIP is showing strong early outcomes in academic progress, school stability, and post-graduation planning.

• Five students graduated in 2024–25, up from just one the year before
• Among eligible seniors, 83% graduated
• At West Mesa High School:
• Students increased their GPAs by an average of +0.45 (from 1.15 to 1.6)
• 54% of participants improved their GPA from the first to second semester
• At Atrisco Heritage Academy:
• Students increased their GPAs by an average of +0.44 (from 0.91 to 1.35)
• Since SBVIP launched at West Mesa, the school has seen a 40% drop in suspensions
• Four of five 2024–25 graduates are now enrolled in college or job training programs

An external evaluation by APEX confirmed positive early results, and the program will continue to be evaluated through the 2025–26 school year.

SBVIP’s continued growth is shaped by close collaboration with APS leadership, community partners, and feedback from external evaluations. The program aligns with the district’s Goals and Guardrails and reflects a personalized, data-informed approach to supporting students.

SBVIP remains committed to strong school relationships, positive post-secondary outcomes, and safer campuses through meaningful youth engagement. With four out of five 2024–25 graduates now enrolled in college or trade programs, the program is becoming a model for holistic violence prevention and youth development in Albuquerque.

Getting Connected to SBVIP

Students are typically referred to SBVIP by school staff or other trusted adults when they may benefit from extra support. Participation is always voluntary, and every student and family has the chance to meet with a mentor before enrolling.

Students may be referred due to:

• On- or off-campus incidents involving weapons or violence
• Gang affiliation or group involvement
• Exposure to trauma, substance use, or family incarceration
• Social media posts involving firearms
• Signs of disconnection from school or risk of expulsion

After a referral, an Intervention Specialist will meet with the student to explain the program and determine interest. A signed parent or guardian permission form is required before participation begins.

To learn more or refer a student, email [email protected].