OPINION: Teen center will help mold responsible citizens

The future of Albuquerque depends on the opportunities we provide to our young people today. Yet, too many teens in our city face unprecedented challenges — rising levels of loneliness, increased depression and a growing sense of disconnection from their communities. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, teenage mental health has reached a crisis point, with social media, the COVID-19 pandemic and academic pressures fueling these struggles.

As a community, we have a critical choice to make: Do we stand by and hope for things to improve, or do we take action and invest in the success and well-being of our teens?

The answer lies in the power of after-school programs. Programs like those offered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico have consistently proven to provide more than just a safe space — they foster mentorship, growth and a sense of belonging. Every day, we see firsthand the transformative power of these programs. Whether it’s career readiness, creative and performing arts, or e-sports, our teens are learning critical life skills, building confidence and forging meaningful relationships.

But the need far exceeds the resources currently available. Every day in our community, thousands of middle school and high students are on their own after school, left to take care of themselves and make decisions that will impact their future. Without the guidance, support and encouragement Boys & Girls Clubs can provide, we see too many of these young people making poor decisions and starting down the wrong path. This is an unacceptable gap — and it’s a gap we as a community have the power to close.

This year, we’re proud to announce that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico will open a first-of-its-kind teen center right here in Albuquerque. This center will serve as a vibrant hub where teens can access mentorship, workforce development programs, mental health resources and recreational activities. More than just a building, it will be a lifeline for the thousands of young people in our community seeking connection, guidance and opportunity.

But we can’t do this alone. To fully support the success of our teens, we need the entire community to rally behind them. We need local businesses to step up as partners, elected officials to prioritize youth development, and families to advocate for increased investment in after-school and mentorship programs.

Our mission at the Boys & Girls Clubs is clear: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We know what’s possible when young people feel supported, seen, and empowered. Now, it’s time for our entire community to lean in and invest in their future.

Together, we can build a stronger, brighter Albuquerque — one where every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential. And that future starts now.