State trains, employs 600 youth to conserve public lands

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: Category: Non-Local News Releases; Jun 15, 2026

$7 million in awards reaches programs across 20 counties statewide

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

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State trains, employs 600 youth to conserve public lands

Content on the Beat

Editor's Notes

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