School-Based Violence Intervention Program (SBVIP)
Our Purpose
The Albuquerque Community Safety Department’s School-Based Violence Intervention Program (SBVIP) is a full-time mentorship initiative designed to reduce youth violence, particularly among students at the highest risk of engaging in or being impacted by cycles of violence, including gun violence.
SBVIP bridges the gap between schools and social services by embedding full-time mentors—called Intervention Specialists—directly on campus. These trusted adults support students facing serious challenges inside or outside of school, including trauma exposure, substance use, and instability at home.
The Goal: help youth at risk of perpetuating cycles of violence achieve a healthier, safer, and more successful life.
The program launched in 2022 at West Mesa High School with support from a WK Kellogg Foundation grant and has since expanded to:
- Atrisco Heritage Academy (2024–present)
- Robert F. Kennedy Charter School (2025–present)
Each site hosts at least one full-time mentor, and select campuses offer students elective credit for participating in the program.
Our Approach
On-site mentors providing consistent, compassionate support
Each participating school has full-time SBVIP Intervention Specialists embedded on campus. These mentors draw from lived experience and offer a trusted adult relationship—often the first of its kind for many participants. They meet regularly with students, providing consistent check-ins, guidance, and encouragement.
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:
- Academic support (including elective credit opportunities)
- Life skills training
- One-on-one mentorship and goal setting
- Counseling and emotional regulation
- Social service navigation
- Retaliation intervention Mediation
- Criminal justice system navigation support
- Connection to food boxes, rental/utility assistance, and other family support resources
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.
Referral Criteria
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
Referral Sources
Referrals come from:
- APS Early Warning Indicator (EWI) system
- School deans, principals, and administrators
- APS Police and Threat Assessment Teams
- Albuquerque Police Department (APD) or other criminal justice entity
- ACS responders
- Community-based organizations
- Parents, guardians, and students themselves
Participation is always voluntary. After referral, mentors meet with the student to determine interest and obtain a signed parent or guardian consent form.
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
SBVIP is helping young people stay in school, stabilize their lives, and build toward a safer future. Since launching in 2022, the program has shown measurable results in academic progress, reduced suspensions, and decreased student offenses. Behind every number is a story of transformation.
The data below reflects early outcomes from SBVIP across participating schools. Improvements include higher GPAs, reduced suspensions, and fewer behavioral incidents among students engaged in the program.
| Outcome | Result | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Referrals Received | 70+ | All Sites |
| Drop in Annual Suspensions | 269 → 110 over two school years | West Mesa HS |
| Avg. GPA Increase |
+0.45 (1.15 → 1.60) +0.44 (0.91 → 1.35) |
West Mesa HS Atrisco Heritage |
| Change in Student Offenses | Overall decrease in both major and minor offenses | All Sites |
Every statistic represents a young person overcoming real challenges. These stories show what’s possible when students have the right support and someone in their corner
One SBVIP participant—once frequently referred for weapons, fighting, and even arrested on campus—has become the program’s first high school graduate. When they joined, their GPA was just 0.5. With consistent mentorship and support, they passed all classes, graduated in May 2024, and was just 0.3 GPA points away from qualifying for the honor roll.
Another student, who made major academic gains, has also experienced significant personal loss. Despite losing multiple immediate family members during this time, they have committed to healthier coping strategies and now serve as a mentor to other SBVIP students, helping create a stronger peer community.
A third student with a history of severe off-campus violence has shown remarkable progress. Since joining the program, they have stabilized emotionally, improved their GPA, secured a job, and begun credit recovery coursework—putting them back on track to graduate.
What Makes SBVIP Different
- Mentors stay until graduation or age 18, providing lasting support
- Students can earn elective creditthrough a structured life skills course
- Family-focused support includes services for parents and guardians
- Positive adult connections help shift student outlooks and break cycles
- No wrong door — referrals are accepted from multiple entry points
- Next-step planning ensures a warm handoff to adult services if needed
Common Questions from Families
How was my child referred to the program?
Most referrals come from APS staff through the Early Warning Indicator system or school leadership teams. If you’re unsure, contact us to learn more.
What kind of support will my child receive?
Your child will be matched with a full-time mentor who meets with them regularly and provides personalized guidance, tutoring support, life skills training, and connection to other services if needed.
Can I refer my child or a young person I know?
Yes. If you know a youth who has experienced violence, trauma, or is struggling in school, reach out to see if SBVIP is the right fit.
Contact SBVIP
Phone: 505-768-4227
Email: [email protected]