The City of Albuquerque and the Semilla Project have celebrated the graduation of the first cohort from the NextGen program, a 12-week apprenticeship designed to give young people of color hands-on experience in high-growth industries.
The NextGen program is a collaboration between the city and the Semilla Project, aiming to provide skills development and career opportunities for minority youth. Eli Cuna, Executive Director of The Semilla Project, said, “The graduation of our first NextGen cohort is a historic milestone for the Semilla project and for Albuquerque. Through this program we see the seeds of real change: a city where our youth are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in jobs that also strengthen our communities.”
Participants worked closely with Albuquerque’s Parks and Recreation Department, gaining exposure to careers in open space management, urban forestry, park operations, and community agriculture. After completing the program, graduates are connected to career pathways in conservation, climate resilience, and public stewardship. The city contributed funding to support the initiative.
This effort aligns with Mayor Tim Keller’s recently announced “Teen Connect” initiative. The broader strategy seeks to engage local youth by offering equal opportunities and connecting them to potential careers in public service fields.
“Teen Connect is all about investing in youth prosperity by providing opportunities,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “That’s exactly what the NextGen project is doing here; equipping this next generation with valuable skills that will protect and conserve our natural and cultural resources, and build towards our future.”
The City of Albuquerque continues its partnership with The Semilla Project through support for programs like NextGen as part of its investment in local youth.
