Best In Class

Best In Class nominees are chosen by the APS Board of Directors Disbursement Committee based on their program's impact and growth since receiving Foundation funding.

Best In Class nominees are chosen by the APS Board of Directors Disbursement Committee based on their program's impact and growth since receiving Foundation funding. The Committee considers programs that have the ability to grow further to widen and deepen their impact with Best In Class funding.

2026 Best in Class Winners

Congratulations to our 2026 Best in Class Winner: Highland High School!

We are thrilled to announce that Highland High School’s ProStart Culinary Arts Program has been named the $15,000 Best in Class winner at Gold Bar 2026!

This year, the power was in your hands, and the community voted to crown Highland High as the top program. Located in Albuquerque’s International District, this transformative four-year pathway goes far beyond the kitchen. It empowers a diverse student population to break down economic barriers by mastering hospitality management, entrepreneurship, and workforce leadership.

What this win means: Thanks to your votes and this $15,000 investment, Highland students are headed to the FCCLA National Competition! For many of these talented students, the costs of travel, lodging, and professional attire often create a barrier to the national stage. This funding ensures that talent—not income—determines opportunity. By removing these financial hurdles, we are collectively investing in a life-changing experience that builds the confidence, resilience, and professional networks these students need to thrive as the next generation of Albuquerque’s leaders.

Watch the HHS Culinary winning video to see the "Best in the West" in action!

Congratulations to our 2026 Best in Class Runner-Up: Transition Outcomes Coffee Shop!

We are proud to announce that the Transition Outcomes Coffee Shop Program has been awarded $10,000 as a Best in Class winner at Gold Bar 2026!

This incredible program was a favorite among our supporters, and thanks to the community vote, they have secured the funding needed to take their vocational training to the next level. Launched just a few years ago, this program provides students with special needs the chance to gain "real-world" experience, mastering everything from espresso machines to customer service and financial literacy.

What this win means: With this $10,000 investment, the Transition Outcomes Coffee Shop is brewing up even bigger opportunities. The funding will provide a new Point of Sale system with expanded credit card access and an additional espresso machine for advanced barista training.

By winning these funds, the program is one step closer to its long-term vision: a mobile coffee truck. This will allow these hardworking students to take their skills on the road—participating in district-wide events and showcasing their professional talents to the entire Albuquerque community. This win isn't just about coffee; it’s about fostering independence and proving that with the right tools, every student can graduate prepared for a successful career.

Watch the Coffee Shop video to see how this program is fueling student success!

Congratulations to our 2026 Best in Class Finalist: Albuquerque High School Jewelry Uplift Program!

We are excited to announce that Albuquerque High School’s "Jewelry Uplift" Program has been awarded $5,000 as a Best in Class winner at Gold Bar 2026!

Following a high-energy community vote, supporters recognized the incredible "heart work" happening at AHS. For the past five years, Jewelry Uplift has been transforming a traditional classroom into a state-of-the-art professional studio. This program doesn't just teach technical skills; it fosters empathy, perseverance, and cultural pride, allowing students to see themselves as professional artists and innovators.

What this win means: This $5,000 award will be used to bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional jewelry industry. Specifically, the funding will support:

• College & Career Field Trips: Allowing students to visit postsecondary programs and industry settings to see where their skills can take them.
• Professional Workshops: Bringing in guest artists and industry pros for three hands-on mentorship sessions.
• Industry-Standard Tools: Ensuring students continue to train with the high-quality materials and equipment used by professionals.
• By investing in Jewelry Uplift, our community is helping AHS students honor New Mexico’s rich jewelry traditions while introducing them to global career pathways.

Watch the Jewelry Uplift Program's video to see how these students are shining bright!

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Previous Winners

2025 Best in Class Winners

• First Place: PE Collaborative - $15,000 in funding
• Second Place: Truman Middle School STEM Lab and Virtual Learning - $10,000 in funding
• Third Place: Cibola High School Robotics Program - $5,000 in funding

2024 Best in Class Winners 

• First Place: Roosevelt Middle School - $15,000 in funding
• Second Place: APS Esports - $10,000 in funding
• Third Place: APS Middle School Leadership Program JROTC - $5,000 in funding

  

2023 Best in Class Winners

• First Place: Atrisco Heritage Academy High School - $15,000 in funding
• Second Place: West Mesa High School Second Place - $10,000 in funding

• Third Place: Wilson Middle School - $5,000 in funding

   

Learn more about previous Best In Class winners.