Developing Youth Leaders Academy 2026

Office & Professional Path and City Trades Career Path

More than 2,000 employees work for the City of Las Cruces. With so many employees, there are countless career opportunities for teens to explore. The City is offering the perfect fall break program for teens curious about the wide variety of jobs available.

The City of Las Cruces’ Community Engagement Office is inviting students ages 14–18 to register for our Developing Youth Leadership Academy. This year, two exciting pathways will be offered: the City Trades Career Path and the Office & Professional Path.

Not sure which is the best pathway to explore? Teens can participate in both programs and discover all the possibilities available!

The deadline to register is October 2, 2026.

City Trades Career Path

When: October 5 – 9, 2026
Time: 8:15 a.m. – noon.
Location: Meet daily at Las Cruces City Hall Lobby (700 N. Main Street)
Register: Online at the City of Las Cruces website LasCruces.Gov/DevelopingYouthLeaders

Sessions

Monday, October 5
Trades of the Parks and Recreation Department

Tuesday, October 6
Trades of the Public Works Department

Wednesday, October 7
Trades of the Fleet and Transit Departments

Thursday, October 8
Trades of the Utilities Department

Friday, October 9
Trades of the Facilities Section

City Office & Professional Pathway

When: October 5 – 9, 2026
Time: 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Meet daily at Las Cruces City Hall Lobby (700 N. Main Street)
Register: Online at the City of Las Cruces website LasCruces.Gov/DevelopingYouthLeaders

Sessions

Monday, October 5
Economic Development – Business Foundation and Entrepreneurship

Tuesday, October 6
Community Development – Permitting and Planning

Wednesday, October 7
Financial Services – Finance, Banking, & Money Skills

Thursday, October 8
Human Resources – Resume, Mock Interviews, Workplace Expectations

Friday, October 9
Communications – Social Media, Branding, Advertising

Teens can build leadership skills, explore civic careers, and connect with the people who help make Las Cruces a great place to live.

For information, contact Catrina Godinez at (575) 528-3003/TTY 711 or by email at [email protected].