Santa Fe Extends Collaboration with YouthWorks for Talent Development

SANTA FE, NM – The City of Santa Fe, New Mexico has awarded YouthWorks a talent development contract to provide services through its Workforce Innovation Program (WIP), as well as different initiatives to support and empower youth in a dynamic way.

The contract runs through June 30, 2025, where YouthWorks projects that a minimum of 240 youth will be served over the next four years through WIP, a partnership with the City of Santa Fe’s Community and Economic Development Department, with a cap cost of $909,479.

“YouthWorks is thrilled to tap into the local youth talent pool to meet Santa Fe’s workforce demands,” said Director Melynn Schuyler.

The organization primarily targets at-risk or marginalized youth between the ages of 16 and 24 through comprehensive job training programs, such as YouthBuild and the Catering and Cooking plan, where it matches them with jobs in the community. They also run the ThriftWorks store.

Part of YouthWorks’ commitment is to support the economy with workforce development tools they have designed, including an innovative apprenticeship placement program to help local employers reach out to young people.

According to City Hall, these initiatives impact the lives of young people by providing them with practical tools, relevant soft skills and hands-on hard skills training. In addition to providing mentoring to help them navigate the world of work.

The YouthWorks WIP program is newly developed to respond to current workforce needs and demands in the wake of the pandemic.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff