Paid Summer Internship Program Introduces Youth to Leadership Opportunities in Arts and Culture

March 4, 2022 - The Mayor’s Creative Youth Corps is gearing up for a third successful summer providing professional experience to Albuquerque youth and building new pathways into the city’s creative economy. Albuquerque high school juniors and seniors and recent high school graduates who are interested in exploring a career in arts, culture and creative non-profit organizations have the opportunity to apply. The City of Albuquerque's Department of Arts & Culture is looking to engage up to 20 local youth with paid internships from June 1 through July 22.

“By partnering the creative leaders of tomorrow with our community leaders today, we’re building stronger career pathways for our youth here in Albuquerque,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The Creative Youth Corps provides an enriching summer of hands-on professional experience and the opportunity for young leaders to see how their talents lead to careers in the Duke City.”

Over the last two summers, 60 local youth have participated in the Mayor's Creative Youth Corps. Each participant is assigned to a different community partner or host site and works closely with a mentor or a team of mentors to develop skills in the creative sector. Projects have included designing and printing original t-shirts; supporting summer programming for young children; painting murals; creating and editing videos; and preparing for festivals and events across Albuquerque.

“For me, MCYC is the perfect summer experience! You learn how to utilize resources to turn your passions into reality,” said Sade Smith, a student participant in the program. “You also build professional relationships and family-like friendships, all while doing what you love!”

Mayor's Creative Youth Corps applications can be found at https://bit.ly/3IuY8tj. The deadline to apply is March 25, 2022.

“Jonathan has learned so much about the program and greatly values the opportunity to have interacted with the members of the youth cohort, and the staff at Together for Brothers,” said Luisa Martinez, a parent of a Creative Youth Corps member.

The City is also inviting more arts and culture organizations to become part of the program. Organizations interested in becoming a community partner or host site can submit an interest form at https://bit.ly/3K4HfG0. The deadline is March 25, 2022