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State workforce department invests $500,000 in Northern New Mexico Youth Fund
Jun. 16—The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions announced last week it will invest $500,000 in the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund to help train underserved youth in non-extractive sectors.
The investment comes from DWS's Community Benefit Fund and provides job training and work-based learning programs for underserved youth. Individuals 13-29 will have growth opportunities through internships, pre-apprenticeships and career development in electrical grid modernization, renewable energy development and climate change mitigation, according to a news release.
The first state agency partnership and public investment brings the Youth Fund to $1.6 million, with $1.1 million from philanthropic funders, the news release said.
"By teaming up with philanthropy to invest in the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund, we are maximizing the impact of our Community Benefit Fund dollars to achieve the vision of ensuring New Mexico has workers and opportunities to combat climate change and meet sustainable energy goals," DWS Secretary Sarita Nair said in a statement.
Created by the Northern New Mexico Pathways to Opportunity Strategy Table, the Youth Fund expands opportunities for young people to thrive in school, work and life. The organization prioritizes those not working or attending school, Native American youth, young parents and others facing systemic barriers.
More than a dozen partners — including the LANL Foundation, the Anchorum Health Foundation, the Thornburg Foundation, and United Way of North Central New Mexico — launched the Youth Fund in March.
Organizations eligible for awards include nonprofits, tribal entities, schools, higher education institutions and local governments operating in San Miguel, Mora, Taos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Sandoval Counties.
Organizers will announce the first round of Youth Fund grant recipients later this month.
