EMNRD News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico is funding jobs and hands-on conservation training for more than 600 young people this year, awarding nearly $7 million to 38 programs across 20 counties.
The New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Commission (YCCC) has awarded $5.89 million to 38 public-benefit programs for youth across 20 counties, with an additional $1.1 million in matching funds. The awards will create employment for more than 600 young people ages 14–25 across the state.
These awards help local governments, Tribes, non-profits and federal agencies across the state create meaningful employment for young people through public projects that conserve natural resources and benefit communities.
“New Mexico’s Youth Conservation Corps plays a key role in strengthening New Mexico’s communities while empowering young people across the state,” said Amanda Getchell Stevenson, YCC commission chair. “These projects give youth paid, hands-on experience that builds confidence, skills and a deep connection to our natural and cultural resources.”
The New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a state-funded program that is administratively supported by the Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department. It distributes grants to support healthy natural environments, promoting education and career pathways in New Mexico and fostering strong work ethics, environmental stewardship, and community pride among youth.
2026 award recipients and project details are available at the YCC Projects Webpage. Youth interested in participating may contact the projects listed online.
The YCC has funded community improvement projects on public lands and facilities throughout New Mexico since 1992.
Entities receiving funds this year:
- Albuquerque Sign Language Academy
- Aldo Leopold Charter School Spring
- Aldo Leopold Charter School Fall
- Apprenticeships for Leaders in Mosaic Arts (ALMA)
- City of Gallup
- Commons Center for Food Security & Sustainability
- Conservation Legacy
- Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions
- County of Bernalillo
- Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District
- East Rio Arriba Soil and Water Conservation District
- EcoServants Lincoln County
- EcoServants Otero County
- Escuela del Sol (Harwood Art Center)
- EMNRD Mining and Minerals Division
- Foundation for America’s Public Lands
- Hermits Peak Watershed Alliance
- Institute for Applied Ecology
- Jemez Mountain School Dist. No 53
- Mark Armijo Academy
- National Indian Youth Leadership Development Project
- New Mexico Acequia Association
- New Mexico State Land Office
- Rio Arriba County Healing Gardens
- Rio Arriba County Tierra Amarilla
- Rocky Mountain Youth Corps Mid Rio Grande
- Rocky Mountain Youth Corps Upper Rio Grande
- San Juan College
- Santa Clara Pueblo
- Southwest Educational Partners for Training
- Spirit of Hidalgo
- Talking Talons Youth Leadership
- Taos Land Trust
- The Family YMCA
- The Forest Stewards Guild Spring
- The Forest Stewards Guild Fall
- Town of Mountainair
- Youthworks