Northern Youth Project (NYP) creates opportunities for rural Northern New Mexico youth in Rio Arriba County + beyond through hands-on art, agriculture, and leadership programs that honor the past to create the future.
We support youth in building connections to their communities and the natural world, while cultivating skills that deepen their personal well-being + career ambitions.
About NYP
Our Vision
The Northern Youth Project empowers youth
to shape happy, healthy, sustainable lives
in their community.
Our History
On a 1 acre garden along the acequia, beneath the Pueblo De Abiquiu, from 2009-2024, NYP provided the remedy to a lack of meaningful recreational + job opportunities for youth in rural Rio Arriba County.
Programs created by teens, for teens, meant our young people leading the way through art, agriculture, community service, and leadership projects, centered on their unique goals + interests.
Multiple generations of local youth have gone on to contribute back to their communities + the land through their labor of love during their time in our programs.
Our Present
We continue to offer free programs + paid internships to local teens, with newly planted roots in the heart of Santa Cruz.
In 2025, NYP was graciously invited to establish a new programming site on the historic McCurdy Ministries campus. With room for a garden, an in-door teen leadership space + more, we are proud to be a partner on the Family Resource Campus.
We are excited to open our doors to youth in 2026!