Youth Apprenticeship Program Connects Youth and Community Needs in Questa

In Questa, youth have limited access to paid workplace learning, leadership development, and hands-on civic engagement opportunities, leaving many without the skills, community connections, and experience needed for future success. When leadership from Localogy and Sangre de Cristo Summer Camps recognized that two community needs—youth workforce development and support for vulnerable residents—could be addressed through a single integrated program, they reached out to LOR for support. LOR’s funding will help Sangre de Cristo Summer Camps hire and train six paid youth apprentices and engage 20–25 youth in structured leadership and service-learning activities. Participants will complete community service projects supporting elders, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable residents throughout Questa while receiving hands-on training in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, project planning, and supervision. Work will include wildfire mitigation, brush removal, yard cleanup, wood stacking, and community beautification that improves neighborhood safety. Intergenerational sessions with local elders will help preserve community history, culture, and knowledge. The program will provide participants with documented workplace experience and leadership credentials that support future education and employment while strengthening community resilience across Questa.