Teen ConnectTeen Connect is Albuquerque’s hub for youth engagement, a place where teens can find activities, safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to grow.https://www.cabq.gov/teen-connecthttps://www.cabq.gov/++resource++plone-logo.svgTeen ConnectTeen Connect is Albuquerque’s hub for youth engagement, a place where teens can find activities, safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to grow.https://www.cabq.gov/teen-connecthttps://www.cabq.gov/teen-connect/images/mayorvip.jpeg
Teen Connect
Teen Connect is Albuquerque’s hub for youth engagement, a place where teens can find activities, safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to grow.
What is Teen Connect?
Teen Connect is where teens can find places to go, things to do, ways to learn, and opportunities for growth.
Despite marked improvement in many areas, data from the 2023 New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey gives the City valuable insights into the serious challenges facing teens today, from rates of anxiety and depression to concerns about physical health, substance use, and school safety. Teen Connect provides year-round programming that addresses root causes, supports mental well-being, reduces violence, and builds clear pathways to college and careers. Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and families, the City of Albuquerque is helping teens stay connected, safe, and on track.
Learn more about our approach and how to get involved.
Pillars of our Approach
Prevention First to address root causes of violence before they happen.
Starting in schools and neighborhoods.
Safe After-School Programs for strong futures.
A safe place to be, positive role models, and opportunities to grow.
Pathways to Success from classrooms to careers
We're creating clear paths for young people to thrive.
Year-Round Engagement during out-of-school time.
Access to enriching activities after school, during breaks, and throughout the summer.
Community Partnership Work
Schools, city programs, nonprofits, and businesses are working together to achieve these outcomes.
School-Based Violence Intervention Program (SBVIP)
Embedded at four high schools, SBVIP reduces suspensions, boosts GPAs, and supports graduation through conflict mediation, family stabilization, case management, and mental health support.
In 2024/25, SBVIP had:
94 intakes
74 active cases
GPA gains at two campuses
40% fewer suspensions at West Mesa
83% graduation rate among eligible seniors
Seasons of Non-Violence
A citywide, year-round expansion of the Summer of Non-Violence, fostering peace through youth leadership, events, and resources. Highlights include:
Youth Ambassadors leading school-based projects and social media campaigns
Community Events like Trunk or Treat and Holiday Gift Giveaway
On-site Supports connecting families to counseling, mentorship, job training, and after-school programs
Workshops on conflict resolution, digital citizenship, healthy relationships, and financial literacy
Teen Movie Nights to keep kids well nourished and entertained on select weekend nights, and connected to wrap-around services and supports
Teen Out-of-School Programs (Ages 13–19)
Safe, consistent after-school and break-time programs at City centers and APS sites offering homework help, STEM, arts, sports, recreation, and mentorship. Includes free daily meals at 31 sites (~6,300 meals/week) through the Supper Meal Program.
Career Readiness & Academies
In partnership with APS, Career Academies blend academics with career pathways like Healthcare, IT, Skilled Trades, Business, Creative Industries, and more. Students gain coursework, work-based learning, internships, industry credentials, and mentorship—preparing them for college and careers. Pilots begin at Cibola, Manzano, and Highland in 2025, with districtwide expansion in 2026.
CABQ Internships & Apprenticeships
City departments host paid student placements (e.g., Parks, Planning, IT, ACS) aligned with Career Academies, with wraparound supports like counseling and conflict mediation.
All Albuquerque Public Schools students in the Job Mentorship Program earn an elective credit each semester through the ACE (Academic Career Experience) course.
Bank on Burque
Youth financial empowerment program (ages 14–19) providing safe banking access, money management skills, workshops, and direct-deposit setup for youth jobs and internships.
Semilla Project & NextGen
The Parks and Recreation Department is proud to partner with the Semilla Project on many youth development initiatives. The Semilla Project is more than just an outdoor recreation program, it is a movement that fosters intergenerational leadership, advocacy, and deep-rooted connections to land and identity.
Youth who participate in Semilla’s outdoor programs return as mentors and leaders. Participants have pursued careers in conservation, outdoor education, and environmental policy.
The Semilla Project's NextGen Academy connects young people to hands-on training in energy innovation, natural resource management, trades, and other emerging fields. This training provides long-term job security and economic stability through:
Hands-on training in climate-resilient jobs
Leadership development & networking with industry professionals to forge a path to well-paying jobs in careers that matter
A supportive community that values each participant and their future
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