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City Youth Programming Rebounds to Pre-Pandemic Levels

With continued COVID-19 safety measures, more than 30,000 children participated in City programs over the summer.

Oct. 31, 2021

The City of Albuquerque has released the State of the Summer Report for 2021. This annual report provides an overview of results and future trends for the City’s youth programming and events. This year’s report reflects the City’s concerted effort to safely re-expand programming for children and families, with registration rebounding to slightly higher levels than pre-pandemic 2019, and actual attendance numbers up nearly 30% from 2020.

“When the pandemic hit, we stepped up to keep youth programs running safely, because we knew they were a lifeline for working parents and key enrichment for our kids. As more parents began returning to work, staff from around the City jumped into high gear,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Their hard work allowed us to welcome back nearly triple the amount of children we served last year, and provided a crucial outlet for families, keeping children safe and involved.”

2021 State of the Summer Report, by the numbers:

  • 30,827 in-person youth registered
  • 227,190 in-person youth attendance
  • 128 in-person programs
  • 187 youth programming sites
  • 165 Art Kits created and distributed
  • 349,466 meals served
  • 5,904 youth bus rides
  • 1,890 free backpacks and school supplies distributed
  • 1,013 haircut vouchers distributed
  • 90 locations with free Wi-Fi access (45 outdoor locations)
  • 3,100+ hours volunteered

The City of Albuquerque also continues to be one of the largest employers of young people in New Mexico, recently increasing spending for youth wages by $700,000 in the last year alone, for a total of $3 million dollars. 

2021 Youth Employment by the numbers:

  • 1,157 total staff
  • 143 total interns
  • Average age: 19
  • 71% youth staff members of color
  • 50% female staff members

“I love teaching lessons because of the kids. From their smiles to their excitement when attaining a new skill, they never fail to put a smile on my face,” said Jeremiah Sanchez, Lifeguard. Their happiness rubs off on me.”

View the full State of the Summer 2021 Report, or to learn about all City of Albuquerque youth opportunities available visit cabq.gov/youth-connect.