Strong communities begin with opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop skills, and create a future for themselves. Through our partnership with El Corazón de Columbus, the Covarrubias-Aprendamos Foundation is proud to support an organization working to remove barriers and connect youth in Luna County with meaningful workforce opportunities.
El Corazón de Columbus makes an impact by helping young people become more self-sufficient and prepared to participate in the local workforce. Their support goes beyond helping youth find a job—they provide mentorship, professional development, and practical assistance that can help turn short-term employment into a pathway toward a sustainable career. Through this work, El Corazón is investing not only in individual young people, but in the strength and resilience of the broader community.
One example is Kevin, a 22-year-old participant who grew up in Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, and has spent much of his life working to support his family. He began working at just 14 years old and later spent several years in seasonal agricultural jobs, including working 60-hour weeks at an onion packing shed in Columbus. After joining a work assistance program through America’s Job Center, Kevin was placed at El Corazón de Columbus, where mentors helped him build confidence, strengthen his professional communication skills, and recognize his potential. Their guidance helped prepare him for an opportunity with the New Mexico Department of Transportation in Albuquerque, where he was selected as one of only 20 participants from more than 300 applicants for a 400-hour certification and hands-on training program.
Stories like Kevin’s demonstrate how workforce development can create lasting change. With support from the Covarrubias-Aprendamos Foundation, El Corazón can also respond to everyday barriers that can prevent young people from entering or maintaining employment—from providing professional clothing and haircuts for interviews to offering temporary fuel assistance and helping with necessary vehicle repairs. These forms of support can make a meaningful difference in helping a young person get to work, attend an interview, or take advantage of an opportunity
The impact of El Corazón’s work extends beyond employment. As young people gain confidence and develop new skills, they become more engaged members of their community and begin to see themselves as capable of achieving more. Youth participants have proudly represented El Corazón at community events, demonstrating the confidence and leadership they have developed through the program. By helping young people build self-sufficiency, El Corazón is contributing to a stronger local workforce and a more resilient Luna County.
The Covarrubias-Aprendamos Foundation is grateful to partner with El Corazón de Columbus and support their commitment to the next generation. Together, we are helping remove barriers, create pathways to opportunity, and empower young people to build brighter futures—strengthening not only the individuals they serve, but the community as a whole.