City, Semilla Project Celebrates Their First Cohort of Graduates

Mayor Tim Keller, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, and Semilla Project partners gathered to celebrate the first cohort of NextGen program graduates.

The City of Albuquerque partnered with the Semilla Project to launch the NextGen program, a 12-week apprenticeship offering young people of color from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to learn valuable, hands-on skills in high-growth industries.

“The graduation of our first NextGen cohort is a historic milestone for the Semilla project and for Albuquerque” said Eli Cuna, Executive Director of The Semilla Project. “Through this program we see the seeds of real change: a city where our youth are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in jobs that also strengthen our communities.”

With guidance from CABQ’s Parks and Recreation Department, students received direct exposure to professional work in open space, urban forestry, park management, and community agriculture. Upon completion, these young adults are connected to long-term career opportunities in conservation, climate resilience, and public stewardship. The City also provided key funding to ensure the program’s success.

Last month, Mayor Tim Keller announced the City’s new “Teen Connect” initiative aimed to support, engage, and guide Albuquerque youth. The NextGen program is part of this larger effort to provide equal opportunities to minority youth, giving them hands-on experience and connecting them to career paths in public stewardship.

“Teen Connect is all about investing in youth prosperity by providing opportunities,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “That’s exactly what the NextGen project is doing here; equipping this next generation with valuable skills that will protect and conserve our natural and cultural resources, and build towards our future.”

The City of Albuquerque proudly partners with The Semilla Project to support the NextGen Program to invest in the future of Albuquerque’s youth.