By Teens, For Teens
Focused on Art, Agriculture, + Leadership, at Northern Youth Project, our programs support the goals + interests + aspirations of local Teens!
Youth gain valuable job skill development
to become strong and confident leaders in their communities
Leadership
The Peer Mentorship Program is a pilot initiative made possible through support of the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund (NNMYF). Launched in 2025, this program provides access to individualized support to teens + young adults through work based learning programming, guiding them toward their transition into the workforce, with a focus on climate resilience, through traditional acequia agriculture practices.
This program emphasizes professional development, with Peer Mentors gaining the skills they need to model a safe + fun learning environment for new teen Interns. Staff work to connect youth to other meaningful opportunities to contribute + work in their community.
Peer Mentorship Program
McCurdy Trails+ Project
Coordinated by Northern Youth Project on behalf of McCurdy Ministries, in 2026 the Trails+ Project is putting youth leadership front + center. Through the development of a Youth Advisory Council (YAC) + Youth Town-hall series, NYP’s Staff + young adult Peer Mentors are providing a space for local teens to speak their dreams into reality. With professional facilitation + a creative design process provided by our partners at Juntos Consulting, today’s youth are shaping the future of the historic McCurdy Ministries Campus.
Supported by the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant, this project empowers youth to guide decisions about the outdoor infrastructure and recreational opportunities that matter most. From trail systems to demonstration gardens, the McCurdy Trails+ Project ensures that our youth’s voices are at the center of planning, development, + advocacy, while creating spaces that reflect the needs of themselves, their peers, and future generations.
Agriculture
Exploring traditional
land, water, + seed stewardship
Agricultural Programming includes free outdoor recreation + paid internship opportunities. Participants learn at our on-site garden and practice traditional acequia agriculture, seed stewardship, and experimental approaches to climate-resilient farming—methods designed to encourage exploration and adaptation in a changing environment.
While most learning happens on-site, the program includes visits to local farms + growers markets, giving youth a robust connection to our regional agricultural economy. Beyond skills, the program provides youth with meaningful first-time job experience + financial support. emphasizes building long-term connections + relationships, providing ongoing guidance + support.
Art
Connecting young minds to
land, tradition, and history through artistic expression
Our arts programming connects youth to creative expression, cultural traditions, + practical skill building through mediums such as culinary arts, wood working, fiber arts, pottery, and nature-based art practices. Through workshops and partnerships with local artists, participants explore creativity while building confidence and professional skills.
