The New Mexico Economic Development Department awarded $2,178,029 through its Outdoor Equity Fund to 61 programs that will provide outdoor education and career training to more than 22,000 youth across the state, with a special emphasis on low-income families and Tribal communities.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Cabinet Secretary Rob Black
Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Romero
ORD Director Karina Armijo
Contact: Michelle Simon
Michelle.Simon@edd.nm.gov
(505) 439-2320
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 1 , 2025
State awards $2.2M to connect 22,000 youth with outdoor programs
Outdoor Equity Fund grants 61 programs in 17 counties
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Economic Development Department awarded $2,178,029 through its Outdoor Equity Fund to 61 programs that will provide outdoor education and career training to more than 22,000 youth across the state, with a special emphasis on low-income families and Tribal communities.
The Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) is funding programs that provide hands-on outdoor education for young people from low-income families, with 14 serving Tribal communities. Recipients will provide over $1.7 million in matching funds, multiplying the impact. Forty of the awarded programs offer workforce development that connects youth directly to meaningful careers in New Mexico’s outdoors.
“It’s no surprise that the outdoor recreation industry is a significant economic driver in New Mexico,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “Our state is exceptionally beautiful, and we want to ensure that future generations caan enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities and become our future environmental stewards, no matter their abilities or income level.”
A record-breaking 140 applications and $4.9 million in funding requests were received in the first round of the FY26 Outdoor Equity Fund grant program.
Since 2020, ORD has awarded over $8.6 million in Outdoor Equity Fund grants, connecting more than 106,000 youth from 23 counties to high-quality, educational outdoor programming.
“Thanks to the support of our legislators and the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, this year’s Outdoor Equity Fund awards will give more than 22,000 young people across New Mexico the chance to experience the outdoors in meaningful ways,” ORD Director Karina Armijo explained. “These programs strengthen communities and foster connections to the landscapes and cultures that make our state unique.”
From bike tech classes in rural school districts that will equip students with workforce skills, outdoor career training, and cultural reconnection programs for disabled Native youth, and outdoor access programs in urban communities that offer free gear rental and bilingual instruction for activities like fishing, gardening, and skateboarding, this round of awarded programs reflects the breadth of New Mexico’s diverse communities.
These programs remove barriers, giving all New Mexico youth the opportunity to experience the health benefits of outdoor activities and explore career pathways in recreation, conservation, and leadership. View the full list of recipients and project descriptions at www.nmoutside.com/news.
To read the full press release, click to download PDF.
