Resources for Indigenous Youth
Self-Care and Mental Health Resources
Webinars for Youth
Tribal Leaders Videos of Encouragement
State Resources for Native Youth
The Indian Affairs Department has gathered the below resources from across the state to direct youth to various opportunities available. Below are information and tools to help Native youth prepare for higher education, joining the workforce, or learn about local and federal resources and programs.
Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS)
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions offers great resources for developing careers whether you are a first-time job seeker or looking to gain additional skills. This main page includes links to job fairs, resources available to find jobs, work permits (16 and under), and job preparation. Some of their most helpful tools are for youth are:
Career Exploration
What do you want to do? You’ve been asked that a lot, but do you have an answer? Take time to evaluate who you are and what you want so you can get started on a path that is right for you.
Here’s how it works
Assess personal interests, strengths, and values –
Knowing personal work interests and values will help individuals decide what kinds of jobs and careers they might want to explore.
- Learn more about their field of interest –
- How much does each role pay on average in New Mexico
- How many jobs in that field are currently available in New Mexico
- How many jobs in that field are projected to become available in New Mexico
- What programs are available in New Mexico to start my career pathway
- Compare occupation interests –
- Compare occupations side by side, review information on wages, education, and job tasks
Why I Work Tool
This is a financial tool that shows you how much money you need to make to afford the things you want and need. Use Why I Work to get an idea of how much you need to earn and explore occupations with wages that match what you need.
Here’s how it works:
- Click through the screens to identify what you spend each month on different items
- Your spending for each category will be totaled
- Use Career Solutions to explore occupations that have annual wages similar to what you need
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship programs combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. The Apprenticeship page allows students to explore “earn and learn” career pathways. Apprenticeships require that you be over the age of 17 to apply but do not require that you be enrolled in school before applying. Examples of apprenticeships currently offered are Electrician, Developer, Ironworker, and many more.
- List of current New Mexico apprenticeship programs – over 30 different career options to explore
- Overview of each program
- The average pay for each career IN NEW MEXICO
- Requirements for each career
- Direct contacts for each program
Internships
Important for students, employers, and experienced professionals in career pathway planning. If you are a current student in high school or college you are able to apply your classroom knowledge to real-world experience and gain experience, build your resume, improve your skillset, get insight, expand your network, and explore future possibilities. Internships vary some are paid and some are not.
Workshops
Virtual workshops offer skills to help professional development workshops offered by the New Mexico Workforce Connection encompass the tools and resources to support and guide you. Topics include:
- Soft Skills
- Resume Skills
- Interview Skills
Higher Education Department (HED)
The New Mexico Higher Education Department (HED) has great resources for youth interested in obtaining an education after high school. HED hosts a resources page specific for Native students through their Indian Education Division use this website to find:
- Financial Aid for Native American Students
- FAFSA Assistance
- Scholarships
- Links to Tribal schools and universities
- Adult Education
- Opportunity to speak to an Indian Education representative to answer your questions
