Central New Mexico Community College
EN-10: Community Partnerships

2019 Update (Eugene Padilla): Every semester CNM has students who are employed through the Americor program. They work in the community as student employees, such as health care, community gardening and other social programs. All information below still stands. 2016: CNM participates in Americorps program in two different ways: CNM currently employees workstudy employees who are hired to work in the community. In partnerships with the University of New Mexico, students are hired to work in community gardens, health clinic, transitional center for at risk students. The students assist and provide input into the day to day operations of the organizations. The jobs are located in underserved areas the clinic (Casa DeSalud) serves residents without health insurance, this includes immigrants, and migrants as well as US citizens. The Community Garden brings locals as well as at risk students and transitional residents (from incarceration) to help develop the gardens. Also the Transitional Center (La Placita) a safe zone for members and past members of gangs to come together to discuss issues as well as provide support for residents in abusive situations. Both these programs are located in a minority rich neighborhood which battles high drop out rates as well as economic hardship. La Placita institute is also connected to Bernalillo County Open Spaces (Sanchez Farms). They utilize the space for community gardening for undeserved peoples in society. Scholarships are available through CNM for students participating in Americorps. Timeframe: ongoing Reported by Eugene Padilla, CNM

The League of United Latin American Citizens:this program prepares first generation students for college as well help close gaps in learning through tutoring and other activities. CNM has had this partnership for well over 10 years. Furthermore "The Mission of the League of United Latin American Citizens is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States." AND "Improving the quality of the Latino lives through environmental sustainability and conservation through on-going partnerships with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), The Energy Foundation, and other community organizations, LULAC has been a key ally in advocating for environmental sustainability and clean energy at the local, state, and national level. LULAC believes that addressing environmental issues and holding stakeholders accountable will improve the quality of life for Latinos living the US." For More Information please see: https://lulac.org/environment/ https://lulac.org/

CNM partners with Street Food Institute for culinary arts program to provide real-world experiences and connects students with community farms and local food suppliers. This partnership is in lieu of the energy- intensive "cafeteria" model which CNM has omitted from campuses, so that they may support local businesses, teach students how to run their own business (food truck system and bistro) and to use local and organically sourced food, which supports the larger community. These new food truck areas on campus bring together local vendors, artists, students, staff and faculty. The food trucks are situated outdoors along the wayfinding pathway, which students use to navigate the campus. The pathway also bring awareness to sustainable initiatives, such as the garden beds. Local vendors are encouraged to apply to CNM to be a part of this sustainable culinary program. (reported by Molly Blumhoefer). BACKGROUND SFI’s purpose is: To become a sustainable and effective catalyst for local economic revitalization in underserved areas; To increase access to nourishing and affordable local food by training entrepreneurs to provide it in smaller community-based venues such as trucks, carts and public gathering places; To reduce some of the barriers to starting a food-related business for aspiring food entrepreneurs; and To support the development of public food hubs that serve community members of all income levels. SFI works with young adults and emerging culinary students and practitioners to develop the business and technical skills to realize their entrepreneurial dreams. https://www.cnm.edu/depts/news/food-truck-provides-students-real-world-experience-and-patrons-delectable-dishes/ Since CNM has done away with energy intensive cafeteria model, to support local vendors and other stakeholders, this is an ongoing effort and has no time-frame, thus it is ongoing.

DISTRICT 2030 (not listed above) CNM is involved with ABQ 2030 District, which adheres to nationally set goals of all 2030 districts which are to reduce energy, water, transportation emissions and waste. It is also meant to increase economic development. Each category's goals are modified and enhanced to meet local challenges. This is a collaborative effort as CNM has helped govern the process through which ABQ 2030 will function. CNM Sustainability Project Manager sits on the board of ABQ 2030 District to assist in developing program goals and overseeing/advising implementation plans and tracking mechanisms. CNM has already met many certification levels in the High Five Certification Program developed by the district; therefore CNM will be used as a "template" for large institutions that join the district and wish to become The High Five Certification Program is in place to measure and verify success of goals set forth under the district. This includes sharing measurement and verification methods used in the five areas (energy, water, transportation, waste, economy) as well as marketing this success to involve other property owners in several neighborhoods and of several types and sizes. Timeframe: This is an ongoing partnership (at least until 2030!). BACKGROUND 2030 Districts are being formed to meet the energy, water and vehicle emissions targets called for by Architecture 2030 in the 2030 Challenge for Planning. Through unique public/private partnerships, property owners and managers are coming together with local governments, businesses, and community stakeholders to provide a business model for urban sustainability through collaboration, leveraged financing, and shared resources. Together, they are developing and implementing creative strategies, best practices, and verification methods for measuring progress towards a common goal. Spurred by national impetus to create corridors of sustainable development and the Albuquerque Chapter of the American Institute of Architects 2030 Lecture Series, public and private sector stakeholders are coming together. http://www.2030districts.org/