Instituto del Puente is dedicated to democratizing the policy making process. As a result, the ideas in our 2026 policy platform have emerged from the field. We’ve asked young people what they want and need and we’ve tested their responses with practitioners to ensure that they can deliver. It’s a bottom up strategy that is now ready for policy makers to embrace. We’ve been blessed with a group of New Mexican legislators who have seen the power of young people and understand that we are ready to take this to the next level. As we prepare to scale these ideas statewide, we asked these legislators who are supporting our platform some questions to better understand how this youth-driven agenda resonates with policymakers and what we can do to help them move the agenda forward. 

Their responses affirmed the importance of our unique approach and the urgency of this moment while also giving helpful suggestions for how all of us can do our part to make these policies a reality.

Across the board, legislators emphasized that the proposals respond to real gaps in the education and workforce systems—especially for students who are struggling, working, parenting, or navigating significant life challenges.

Senator Cindy Nava reflected on hearing directly from a young parent who re-engaged in school through a flexible, supportive program. Others highlighted how paid internships, work-based learning, and mental and behavioral health supports help students build confidence, financial literacy, and a sense of purpose.

“These initiatives give students a legitimate chance at success,” said Senator Nava. “They create pathways—not just to graduation, but to stability, careers, and community impact.”

Representative Pamelya Herndon underscored that these programs represent the impactful  strategy in New Mexico focused on “growing  our own” as we develop future educators, healthcare workers, business leaders, and civic leaders from within local communities. This approach is designed to create lasting positive impacts as we invest in local talent and ensure that key sectors in our community are staffed with  individuals who are deeply connected to the needs and values of New Mexico.” 

“Every aspect of young peoples’ lives, from paid internships to their mental health, influences the cities, counties, and state where they reside,” said Representative Herndon. “It is important to develop their overall skills and abilities as early as possible.”

Legislators were clear: collaboration matters. They pointed to the importance of unified messaging, strong data, and coordinated advocacy across sectors. 

Representative Cristina Parajón emphasized the importance of having a unified message and sharing the stories of students, especially those who are often left out of traditional policy conversation. 

“The biggest help will be unified messaging and data, community voices and cross sector collaboration,” said Representative Parajón. “We need clear data to present and show outcomes and demand, which will strengthen the case for sustainable funding. Real stories and testimony, especially from rural students, first-generation students, and businesses, make a huge difference.”

Senator Nava expressed interest in directly involving students as interns during the legislative session, noting how transformative it can be for young people to see themselves as part of the policymaking process.

“When students understand that they belong in these spaces, it changes what they believe is possible,” she said.

At the Instituto convening that took place in December, legislators described being struck by young people openly sharing their struggles—mental health challenges, financial pressures, and barriers to staying engaged in school. Unlike typical meetings that highlight only success stories, this space made room for the full reality students are facing.

“I had the unique opportunity to listen to students talk about their mental health and behavioral health challenges,” said Representative Herndon. “I heard them ask for mental wellness rooms in their schools, staffed with people who can help them work through the challenges they face.”

“Hearing students talk about how these programs changed their confidence and direction was incredibly motivating,” added Representative Parajón. “It also showed that we’re not starting from scratch—we’re ready for sustainable solutions.”

Legislators consistently pointed to these approaches as a win-win for students, employers, and communities. When students can earn income while gaining real-world skills, participation increases—especially among low-income and rural students. Employers benefit by building local talent pipelines, and communities see stronger retention and economic growth.

At the same time, aligning Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), capstone projects, and mental health supports helps schools meet students where they are—academically, socially, and emotionally.

“This is about continuity and dignity,” said Senator Nava. “It’s about talking honestly with students about their reality and building systems that respond to it.”

“All of our students want to succeed,” added Representative Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson. “These are all ways to strengthen student success and re-engagement numbers.” 

As New Mexico heads into the upcoming legislative session, these conversations make one thing clear: the state is at a pivotal moment. There is growing alignment between young people, practitioners, and lawmakers around the need for sustained investment in paid internships, more options for students with disabilities, mental and behavioral health supports, and re-engagement pathways for students who have been historically overlooked.

With continued collaboration, clear data, and the leadership of student voices, this legislative session can be a turning point—one that moves New Mexico closer to an education and workforce system built for stability, equity, and opportunity.