Del Norte High School has become the fourth Albuquerque high school to host a full-time violence intervention program aimed at supporting students affected by trauma and disconnection from school.
Albuquerque Community Safety announced this week that its School-Based Violence Intervention Program is now operating at Del Norte, joining West Mesa High School, RFK High School and Atrisco Heritage Academy High School in hosting the program.
The program places trained intervention specialists directly on campus to provide students with individualized mentorship, academic support and access to services including housing assistance, food security and job placement, according to the city.
“The program is about never giving up on our kids. We’re getting ahead of violence by putting the right people in the right place at the right time,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a city press release. “We’re proud to bring this proven model to Del Norte—and we’re working to expand it to every APS high school.”
The school-based program is part of Teen Connect, the mayor’s broader youth-focused initiative that includes after-school activities, free meals and financial empowerment programming through partnerships with Albuquerque Public Schools.
Since launching in 2022, the violence intervention program has shown measurable results, including increased GPAs, higher graduation rates and reduced suspensions, the city said. In the 2024-25 school year, 83% of eligible seniors graduated from schools with the program, according to the press release.
“Del Norte students deserve to feel supported, understood, and empowered,” said Jasmine Desiderio, deputy director of Albuquerque Community Safety’s Violence Intervention Program. “SBVIP is here to walk beside them through their challenges and toward their goals.”
The program’s expansion reflects a partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools and aligns with the district’s strategic goals focused on literacy, math and post-secondary readiness.
“At APS, we’re working hard to make sure our students have the support they need to succeed,” said Dr. Kenneth Salazar, associate superintendent for School Climate and Supports. “The expansion of the School-Based Violence Intervention Program into Del Norte High School is a good example of the many things we’re doing to empower our students and help them make good decisions.”
Students can be referred to the program by emailing youthvip@cabq.gov. More information is available at cabq.gov/acs/vip/sbvip.