WIOA Youth – Northern Region
WIOA Youth Program Northern New Mexico | Ages 14-24 | Free Job Training
Ready to launch your career?
YDI’s Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program provides paid work experience and comprehensive career training for young adults ages 14-24 across our region. If you’re in Cibola, Colfax, Los Alamos, McKinley, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Juan, San Miguel, Santa Fe, or Taos County, we connect you with local employers for hands-on internships in high-demand fields. This is your launchpad: we pair your paid placement with essential support, including mentoring, financial literacy training, and 12 months of follow-up services, to help you build a successful and sustainable future at home in Northern New Mexico.
Our Comprehensive Support
The WIOA Youth program provides year-round support to help you overcome barriers and succeed in education and your career. We focus on 14 key areas, including:
Drop-Out Prevention & Recovery
Gain targeted support and resources to help you stay in school or successfully re-enroll and earn your diploma or GED.
Career Exploration & Training
Discover your passions and receive training for in-demand careers right here in Northern New Mexico.
College & Career Transition
Receive personalized guidance and preparation to successfully transition to college or post-secondary training.
Financial Literacy & Counseling
Master essential money skills like budgeting, saving, and managing your paycheck with expert guidance.
Soft Skills & Leadership Development
Develop the critical soft skills that employers value most, like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Ongoing Support Services
Get help overcoming barriers like transportation and receive a full year of follow-up support to ensure your long-term success.
Real Results Last Summer
Youth & Young Adults Placed in Jobs
Employer Partners Recruited
Months of Follow-Up Support
Hours of PAID Work Experience
Real Jobs Our Participants Have Landed
Get inspired by the real career paths our participants are launching right here in Northern New Mexico. This is more than a job—it’s the first step in a lasting career.
Utilities Account Collector
Handle customer accounts, process payments, and develop professional communication skills in the utilities sector.
Healthcare Direct Support Professional
Provide essential care and support services while building experience in the growing healthcare industry.
Laborer/Carpenter
Learn construction skills, work with tools, and gain hands-on experience in the skilled trades sector.
Guest Services Agent
Develop customer service excellence and hospitality management skills in the tourism industry.
Library Clerk
Support community education services while gaining administrative and organizational experience.
Animal Care Technician
Care for animals while exploring opportunities in veterinary services and animal welfare.
Program Details & Partnerships
About the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a landmark federal program designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market. YDI is proud to be the designated service provider for the Northern Area Local Workforce Development Board (NALWDB), administering the WIOA Youth program to serve our region’s next generation.
Our Service Delivery Model
- Location-Based Services: Our staff are headquartered at America’s Job Centers of New Mexico (AJCs) throughout the region.
- Mobile & Virtual Services: We provide in-person services in communities beyond the AJCs and offer virtual appointments to ensure accessibility for all eligible youth in our 10-county area.
Key Program Partnerships
To provide a comprehensive network of support, we actively collaborate with:
- Adult Basic Education (ABE)
- Job Corps
- New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- WIOA Adult & Dislocated Worker Programs
- …and many other community and educational organizations.
The 14 Elements
Our program is built around 14 key elements designed to address barriers and promote success:
- Drop-Out Prevention
- Drop-Out Recovery
- Alternative Education
- Occupational Skills Training
- Leadership Development
- Financial Literacy
- Guidance & Counseling
- Entrepreneurial Skills
- Labor Market Info
- Work Experience
- College Prep
- Supportive Services
- Adult Mentoring
- Follow Up Services
Our Official Service Area
We provide services to youth and young adults aged 14-24 residing in the following Northern New Mexico counties:
Cibola
Colfax
Los Alamos
McKinley
Mora
Rio Arriba
San Juan
San Miguel
Santa Fe
Taos
Not in our Northern Region service area?
Explore the WIOA program in the Central Region of New Mexico, serving Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, and Torrance counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible, you must be between 14 and 24 years old and live in one of our ten served counties: Cibola, Colfax, Los Alamos, McKinley, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Juan, San Miguel, Santa Fe, or Taos.
I'm still in high school. Can I join?
Absolutely! Our program is designed for both in-school and out-of-school youth. We provide support like tutoring and dropout prevention to help you succeed in your current studies while gaining work experience.
I've dropped out of school. Can this program help me?
Yes, definitely. Dropout recovery is a key service we offer. We can help you explore options for completing your diploma or earning a GED while also preparing you for the workforce.
Is there a cost to join the program?
No. The WIOA Youth program is completely free for all eligible participants. It is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Is the work experience really paid?
Yes! Participants in a work experience placement earn a paycheck for their hours worked, typically between 250-350 hours. You earn while you learn valuable skills.
What are "supportive services"?
These are services provided to help you overcome barriers to participation. This may include assistance with transportation costs (like mileage reimbursement or bus passes), work uniforms, or childcare. We assess your individual needs.
What kind of jobs or internships are available?
We partner with local Northern New Mexico employers across various industries. Past participants have worked as Healthcare Direct Support Professionals, Library Clerks, Carpenter’s Assistants, Animal Care Technicians, and in many other roles. We work to match your interests with local opportunities.
How long does the application process take?
The initial form is quick. After you submit it, a YDI staff member will contact you to discuss your goals, confirm eligibility, and guide you through the next steps, which can vary based on individual circumstances.
I don't live near an America's Job Center. Can I still participate?
Yes! While our staff are based at AJCs, we provide in-person services in communities across our 10-county region and offer virtual appointments to ensure everyone can access our support.
What if I don't know what career I want?
That’s exactly what we’re here for! Career exploration is a core part of our program. We provide assessments, workshops, and guidance to help you discover your interests and match you with suitable training and work experiences.
What happens after I complete my work experience hours?
Your journey with us doesn’t end there! WIOA Youth is not a single activity; it is a comprehensive program designed to support your education and employment goals. Before exiting the program, we will review additional beneficial activities and services. Once you exit the program, we provide 12 months of follow-up services to support your continued success. A Career Guide will check in with you to help with anything from navigating a new job to applying for college, ensuring your long-term success.
Ready to Start Your Career Journey?
For information about Education, Employment, & Training programs, call 505-977-3216, Monday through Friday MST, 8 am to 5 pm, or email ccordova@ydinm.org.