In the remote ranching community of Des Moines, New Mexico, students are learning how to use architecture software to design and build a tiny house — thanks to the X3 internship program.
The Heart of a Community: Lake Arthur Municipal Schools
Learn about the exciting opportunities that the small town of Lake Arthur is offering to its students and community.
How Cesiah Found Her Passion for Nursing
Cesiah Gonzales found her unexpected passion for nursing when she was assigned an X3 internship at the University of New Mexico Hospital during her sophomore year in high school. Originally she wanted to join the Marines, now she is now pursuing a nursing degree at UNM with aspirations to be a combat medic or Veterans Affairs provider.
Youth Apprenticeships Advance Equity
Youth apprenticeship is an exciting part of the growing work-based learning landscape in New Mexico. Programs like Future Focused Education’s X3 NeXt Youth Apprenticeship program pave the way for students to succeed in their careers while also helping employers find local talent.
Youth Apprenticeships: Mutually Beneficial for Youth and Employers
Youth apprenticeship is an exciting part of the growing work-based learning landscape in New Mexico. Programs like Future Focused Education’s X3 NeXt Youth Apprenticeship program pave the way for students to succeed in their careers while also helping employers find local talent.
Why Local and National Education Leaders Reject Standardized Testing
Recently, we’ve seen national education leaders reject standardized tests, but Future Focused wanted to see what New Mexican educators, leaders, and students were saying too—so we asked them. This is what they had to say.
Mentorship in Mental Health: Finding Meaning and Resilience
Mentorship is a key component of any successful X3 internship, but for Youth Mental Health First Aid interns, it means even more. Read the story of Brian and Charles.
Students as Mental Health Responders: Answering the Call for More Youth Mental Health Support
We have to find ways to care for the whole person, says Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Ali Moore. Otherwise, students won’t be able to learn.
Teens Need More Hands-On Learning
By Kristin Leigh | Co-Executive Director, Explora
Explora recently celebrated the grand opening of X Studio, its new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) education and workforce development center for teens. The space is designed for teens to learn new skills, explore professional equipment, and develop ideas that can be realized.
X3 Impact Report
New data shows that when the X3 program connects young people to paid internships with local employers, they have more access to career connections and professional networks. Early analysis suggests these interns are more likely to stay in school. Learn how X3 gives students real-world experiences to explore their aspirations—experiences that impact their future long-term.