NPAC Launches Indigenous Civic Leadership Program, Seeks Partnerships with Albuquerque, Gallup, McKinley, and Bernalillo County
Shanti Benter

New initiative connects Native youth to public service careers; applications and worksite partnerships now open

 

Albuquerque, NM — Native Professional Advancement Center (NPAC), powered by the National Indian Youth Council (NIYC), announced the launch of its Indigenous Civic Leadership (ICL) Program, a new workforce and leadership initiative designed to prepare Native college-aged participants for careers in public service and civic engagement.

 

As part of this launch, NPAC is actively seeking to partner with the City of Albuquerque, the City of Gallup, McKinley County, and Bernalillo County to serve as official worksites for the program—creating hands-on learning opportunities within municipal government offices.

 

The ICL Program is a three-week, grant-funded experience that combines workforce training, leadership development, and real-world job shadowing placements. Participants will engage in structured workshops, receive mentorship, and complete supervised placements in public sector environments—culminating in a final presentation and graduation ceremony.

 

“This program is about opening doors and building pathways for Native youth to see themselves in leadership and public service roles,” said Darius Lee Smith, Executive Director of NPAC. “We are not just preparing participants for jobs—we are preparing them to lead, to serve their communities, and to shape the future of our cities and state.”

 

The program will serve participants in both Albuquerque and Gallup, with a focus on providing meaningful exposure to municipal systems, professional standards, and civic career pathways.

 

To support the program’s rollout, NPAC has launched a dedicated ICL Program webpage, which includes:

  • A participant interest form for prospective applicants

  • A worksite interest form for government agencies and organizations interested in hosting participants

  • Program details, eligibility requirements, and application guidance

 

Interested participants and partners can learn more and apply at: https://www.npacnm.org/indigenous-civic-leadership--icl--program

 

“This is a unique opportunity to build stronger connections between Native communities and local government,” said Deanna Aquiar, Director of Programs and Development at NPAC. “By partnering with cities and counties as worksites, we are creating a model where learning is hands-on, culturally grounded, and directly connected to real career pathways.”

 

NPAC is calling on municipal leaders and public agencies across New Mexico—particularly in Albuquerque, Gallup, and Bernalillo County—to join this effort by becoming ICL worksites and helping mentor the next generation of Indigenous civic leaders.

 

The ICL Program builds on NPAC’s longstanding commitment to workforce development, education, and leadership advancement. For over six decades, NIYC/NPAC has worked to empower Native communities through programs that remove barriers, expand opportunity, and strengthen economic mobility.

 

“This initiative reflects our belief that leadership starts with access,” added Smith. “When Native young people are given the opportunity to learn, contribute, and lead within our public institutions, it strengthens not only their future—but the future of New Mexico.”

 

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Founded in 1961, the National Indian Youth Council (NIYC)—now operating as the Native Professional Advancement Center (NPAC)—is one of the nation’s oldest Native-led organizations advancing Indigenous self-determination, civil rights, and opportunity. For 65 years, NIYC/NPAC has served Native communities across New Mexico through culturally grounded workforce development, education, leadership training, and advocacy. Rooted in the Red Power movement and a legacy of community-led action, NPAC continues to empower Native people to build strong families, resilient economies, and thriving futures.