New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions teams up with Northern NM Youth Fund to expand job training in Northern NM

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions teams up with Northern NM Youth Fund to expand job training in Northern NM

State’s $500K boost will kickstart new partnership in Northern NM

The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) is investing $500,000 in the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund, becoming the first state agency to partner with the organization to provide job training for underserved youth.

The investment comes through NMDWS’s Community Benefit Fund, created by Senate Bill 48 to advance workforce development in non-extractive sectors. As the first state agency to contribute to the fund, NMDWS will direct funding toward worker training in electrical grid modernization, renewable energy development, and climate change mitigation.

“Community Benefit Fund dollars are an urgent investment in the skilled workforce and shovel-ready, community-led projects that will weatherize homes, build critical infrastructure, and help power the clean energy future our state depends on,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart. “The Northern New Mexico Youth Fund is exactly the kind of forward-looking solution that delivers both opportunity and resilience. I applaud the Department of Workforce Solutions for working so quickly to address the needs of our communities with the CBF.” 

This new public investment brings the Youth Fund to $1.6 million, including $1.1 million from 12 philanthropic funders. The fund supports career training and work-based learning programs for young people ages 13-29 in northern New Mexico through internships, pre-apprenticeships and career pathway programs. The Northern New Mexico Pathways to Opportunity Strategy Table created the Youth Fund, with 17 funders coordinated by the LANL Foundation.

“The Department of Workforce Solutions’ contribution has made it possible for the Strategy Table and the Youth Fund to secure public dollars in our very first year,” said Dr. Gwen Perea Warniment, President & CEO of the LANL Foundation, which serves as the backbone organization for the Strategy Table. “This is a groundbreaking step toward integrating public and private investments to ensure Northern New Mexico youth have the connections, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed, especially those who face systemic barriers.”

“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,” said NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “We are grateful to the Northern New Mexico Strategy Table for developing this innovative program.”

The Youth Fund prioritizes support for young people ages 16 to 24 who are not working or in school (also known as Opportunity Youth), Native American youth, young parents, and others facing systemic barriers to employment and education. Grants are awarded through a participatory process led by a diverse grants committee, which includes underserved youth leaders, Tribal representatives, nonprofit practitioners, philanthropic funders, and state officials. NMDWS Deputy Secretary Marcos Martinez now represents NMDWS on the committee, helping bridge public systems and grassroots innovation.

In addition to funding direct programming, the Youth Fund reduces burdens on community organizations by offering a streamlined application process that replaces the need to pursue multiple grants from individual funders and provides capacity building support through the regional resource hub All contributions to the Youth Fund and grants made using these resources are managed by the New Mexico Community Trust as the fiscal agent for the Youth Fund.

"At New Mexico Community Trust, we’re honored to serve as the fiscal agent for the Youth Fund and support a model that centers community voice and equity. This innovative public-private partnership is streamlining access to funding, reducing burdens for local organizations, and ultimately expanding opportunity for Northern New Mexico youth. We’re proud to help steward investments that reflect the brilliance and resilience of our communities,”
said Marisa Magallanez, COO, New Mexico Community Trust.

The first round of grant recipients from the Youth Fund will be announced later this month. Eligible organizations 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, or within the 18 Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations of North Central New Mexico.

To learn more about the Northern New Mexico Pathways to Opportunity Strategy Table, visit northernnmstrategytable.org.

To learn more about the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund, visit northernnmyouthfund.org.

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The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) oversees the New Mexico public workforce system. The department is committed to supporting the business community through special recruitment, analyzing hard to fill jobs, layoffs, job fairs, and skills assessments for hiring; and assisting New Mexicans seeking employment opportunities with job search, job referrals and placement, and customized skill development such as interviewing skills and resume writing. The department administers programs to include business services; workforce training; Unemployment Insurance; labor law enforcement; veterans’ services; and labor market information.

Since 1997, the LANL Foundation has been investing in education, learning, and human potential in Northern New Mexico. Through diverse programming and collaboration with key partners, the LANL Foundation works to ensure that all New Mexicans have the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient lifelong learners who are engaged in their communities. LANL Foundation is dedicated to the enhancement of students’ access to academic and technical opportunities, leading to quality jobs by supporting college and career readiness in schools, districts, communities, Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations. For more information visit: lanlfoundation.org.