Youth & Young Adults
Whether you're just starting to think about your future career or ready to take the next step, Workforce Solutions Middle Rio Grande is here to help you explore career paths, gain valuable skills, and reach your goals — at no cost to you.
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Young adults of the Middle Rio Grande — your future starts here!
If you're 16–24, out of school, and ready to turn your talents and passions into a real career path, we're here to help you make it happen. Whether you want advanced career training, a great first job, or a paid work experience that puts a paycheck in your pocket while you learn, our youth team has your back. Opportunities are waiting across the region — don't miss out.
Here's how we help
Our Youth Services are designed to give you the resources, guidance, and opportunities you need to explore career paths, build valuable skills, and see past the myths about what local jobs have to offer. Everything we do for young adults is free — from your first career assessment to your first paycheck.
Explore Careers
Not sure what you'd be great at? A free career assessment matches your interests and strengths to real careers, and career exploration shows you what local jobs are actually like — job shadowing, employer tours, and conversations with people who do the work every day.
Gain Experience
Get hired and get paid. Through paid work experience and internships with local employers across the region, you build your resume and professional references while earning a paycheck — the program covers your wages.
Education & Training
Need to finish your GED? We provide free prep classes and help with test fees. Ready for career training? Short-term programs in fields like health care, welding, CDL, and IT can put you to work in under a year — with help paying for tuition, books, tools, and certification exams.
Get Support
Every participant gets a dedicated career coach in their corner, plus education assistance, transportation help, and connections to community resources for housing, food, and health — whatever it takes to keep you on track.
Who can participate?
Young people ages 16–24 who live in the Middle Rio Grande region may qualify, especially if you're in school, out of school, or facing barriers like needing your GED, parenting, or limited work history.
Documents you may need
- Photo ID (school, state, or other)
- Social Security card
- Proof of address
- School records or withdrawal form (if applicable)
- Proof of income (for some programs)
Not sure where to start?
Answer three quick questions and we'll point you to the right program.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm 17 and still in school. Can I join a youth program?
Yes. In-school youth ages 16–24 can join for career exploration, work experience, and college prep. A parent or guardian signature is required if you're under 18.
Ready to take the next step?
Visit a workforce center, call us, or start online — it's free.