Albuquerque Public Schools
Community Rallies Behind APS Career Academies as Implementation Continues
More than 245 come together to help shape future of APS high schools.
Albuquerque Public Schools launched its Academies of Albuquerque model at three high schools less than three months ago, but freshman Brooke Meisner is already a believer.
“Entering the trial phase of the new academies program, I see great potential in this approach to education at Manzano High School,” said Meisner, a member of the school’s Freshman Academy who likes the emphasis on “foundational skills, career exploration and a direct link between our curriculum and life beyond.”
“We will be presented with pathways designed to pull students together with shared similar interests, forming a supportive network that will enable us to focus and see the purpose of what we are doing in the classroom,” she added.
On Tuesday, Meisner and hundreds of others had a front row seat as Dr. Randy Mahlerwein, Deputy Superintendent for Leadership and Learning at APS, unveiled the career academies that APS high school students could have access to as the district builds out its Academies of Albuquerque model at all 13 of its comprehensive high schools in the coming years. They are:
- Health and medical science
- Business, marketing, hospitality and entrepreneurship
- Public service
- Applied engineering, technology and design
- Digital media creative arts and entertainment
- And agriscience, business and sustainability
Academies will be chosen in partnership with each school’s Instructional Councils by identifying in-demand jobs within Albuquerque and New Mexico and determining which of those career pathways school communities are interested in. Mahlerwein stressed that each school will select pathways that fit its community and students.
“We want to create an academy that every child, every teacher, every school can see themselves in, and this is where we’ve landed to begin,” he said.
The Academies of Albuquerque represent a bold step toward creating wall-to-wall, career-themed high school academies that connect rigorous academic learning with real-world relevance. More than 245 students, teachers, school and APS leaders, community and business leaders, families and others came together on Tuesday morning to help shape what those academies should look like.
The event was hosted by APS and the United Way of North Central New Mexico.
By engaging the broader community in planning and implementation, APS seeks to ensure that every student graduates with the skills, confidence and experiences needed to thrive in college, career and life.
“We want students to graduate with a sense of purpose and the preparation to succeed in whichever direction they go,” Board President Danielle Gonzales told the crowd.
“We know students learn best when school feels purposeful–when they can see how what they’re learning today leads to the opportunities waiting for them tomorrow,” Superintendent Gabriella Blakey added. “That’s the idea behind the Academies of Albuquerque–creating high school experiences where students can explore, engage and envision their futures with confidence.”
Also addressing the audience were United Way of North Central New Mexico CEO Rodney Prunty, Mayor Tim Keller, County Manager Cindy Chavez, Ford NGL representative Scott Palmer and Chad Matheson, Interim President & CEO of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance. CNM President Tracy Hartzler also participated in the event.
“The Academies model is about partnership,” said Prunty. “It’s about bringing together educators, businesses, and families to create opportunities that prepare students for what’s next—and build a stronger Albuquerque for everyone.”
The academies model has been used successfully in school districts across the country. Manzano, Highland and Cibola high schools launched Freshman Academies this school year and will start career academies next year. Other APS high schools are slated to launch Freshman Academies in the coming years.
Tuesday’s event marks the first of several community engagement milestones leading to a comprehensive three-year master plan for Academies of Albuquerque. Two additional Master Planning Sessions are scheduled for January and February 2026.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Academies of Albuquerque initiative can visit https://www.aps.edu/schools/academies-of-albuquerque