YOUTH APPRENTICE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY PGM

SB 317 creates the Youth Internship Opportunity Program in New Mexico for 16- to 18-year-olds, prioritizing low-income, at-risk, and underserved youth enrolled in career technical education. The program provides registered internships/apprenticeships in high-demand fields (healthcare, IT, agriculture, trades) with employers paying participants $15-$17 per hour for up to 400 hours, covered by America’s Job Center New Mexico. Participants must achieve skills/certifications under employer mentors, while centers track outcomes, collect data, and submit annual reports to the legislature. The program is funded by a $25 million appropriation from the general fund for fiscal years 2025-2027.