Teen Membership Expansion Drives a 480% Increase

The City has been working to find new ways to engage Albuquerque’s teen population and create more opportunities for young people to connect with their communities. The Department of Youth & Family Services (YFS) stepped up to meet that challenge by rethinking how teens access community centers. Now, more Albuquerque teens are taking advantage of their local community centers with attendance among teens ages 12–18 increasing dramatically this past year following the change.

By lowering the age eligibility for Teen Memberships and removing the requirement for parental supervision for teens in most activities, YFS opened the doors to 19 teen-friendly community center facilities across Albuquerque. The change gives teens more independence and more opportunities to participate in activities, spend time with friends and engage in their community, all within their own neighborhoods.

And teens are responding.

In October 2025, 523 teens had a Teen Membership. Today, that number has grown to 3,031 — a 480 percent increase.

The growth demonstrates the demand for what Albuquerque’s community centers can provide when we create more room for young people. Rather than asking where teens can go, YFS is focused on creating more places for them to belong. This reflects the City’s Teen Connect initiative by providing Teens with more spaces to thrive.

“Creating that sense of belonging, connection and opportunity is how we create stronger, safer communities for everyone.” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This is what abundance looks like, making sure our young people have more choices, more support and more places to be teens.”

Teen Memberships provide young people with greater access to community center spaces, fitness equipment, recreation and programming. Across Albuquerque, teens can participate in activities including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, art classes and other collaborative opportunities. Community centers also connect young people with employment, mentorship and other opportunities that help them build skills and relationships.

“Whether a teen is coming to a community center with their Teen Membership, participating in after school programs or gaining employment experience, we want them to know there is a place for them here.” said YFS Director, Jess Martinez.

Rather than focusing only on what young people should avoid, the City is focused on creating more programs, more places to go, more opportunities to participate and more people invested in the success of Albuquerque’s youth.

That approach extends beyond Teen Memberships. YFS is also creating more opportunities for families to benefit from community center spaces throughout Albuquerque. With openings currently available in after-school and before-school programs at community centers across the city, families have more options for safe, structured activities before and after the school day. Expanding access to these programs is part of a broader commitment to create more space for youth to learn, play, connect and belong in their own communities.

There’s room for more.

For more information about Teen Memberships, Teen Connect, community center programs and current openings, visit cabq.gov/family.