Albuquerque, N.M. – Del Norte High School is the latest campus in Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) to adopt a new initiative aimed at reducing youth violence by working directly with students most at risk.
The program, operated by Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), is designed to reach teenagers before behavioral issues escalate into criminal activity. It identifies students who may be struggling academically, facing disciplinary challenges, or showing signs of disengagement from school, and pairs them with trained intervention specialists.
Building Support Into the School Day
Instead of relying only on after-school services, the program integrates support directly into students’ daily schedules. Each participant meets with a mentor for one-on-one guidance, life skills coaching, and counseling. The idea is to create consistent, personalized interactions that can redirect students toward positive opportunities.
Del Norte Principal Edward Bortot said the program provides another layer of support. “This is a positive outlet for our students — a chance to guide them in the right direction and give them resources they may not otherwise have access to,” he explained.
Focus on Families and Communities
ACS Director Jodie Esquibel emphasized that the approach goes beyond addressing school behavior. Interventionists also engage with families to identify home challenges and connect households to outside resources. “Our youth face so many obstacles. We want to meet families where they are, understand their circumstances, and provide real support both inside and outside of school,” Esquibel said.
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Early Results Show Progress
The violence intervention model is already in place at Atrisco Heritage, West Mesa, and RFK Charter. City officials report encouraging outcomes, including better academic performance, reduced disciplinary referrals, and higher graduation rates.
According to Deputy Director Jasmine Desiderio, five of the six seniors enrolled last year graduated, with one student finishing early and another now employed by the City of Albuquerque. “These stories show the impact the program can have, not only for individual students but for school communities as a whole,” she said.
Expansion Plans
Currently, more than 80 students are enrolled across the four participating schools. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said the city hopes to expand the program to additional campuses, though growth will depend on future state funding and support from school administrators.
For now, Del Norte’s participation represents another step in Albuquerque’s broader push to curb youth violence through prevention rather than punishment.
