Empowering Frontier Youth: A Strength-Based Approach to Well-Being
Young people today are facing unprecedented levels of stress, uncertainty, and disconnection. Whether it’s economic instability, social pressures, or a lack of opportunities in rural areas, youth in frontier communities often grapple with unique challenges that impact their overall well-being. The National Center for Frontier Communities (NCFC) is stepping up with an innovative pilot program designed to bolster youth wellness by fostering resilience, engagement, and leadership.
Recent studies highlight the urgent need for action. A 2024 Walton Family Foundation poll surveying nearly 3,000 Americans aged 12-26 found that Gen Z is more likely than any other generation to rate their emotional well-being as poor or fair. Alarmingly, less than half of the respondents could envision a promising future for themselves. These findings underscore a growing sense of disillusionment and the need for meaningful, action-based solutions that help young people build confidence and connection.
In frontier communities like Southwest New Mexico, where NCFC operates, these challenges can be even more pronounced. With vast distances between resources, limited access to mental health services, and fewer structured youth engagement opportunities, young people in these regions often struggle to find avenues for growth and empowerment. Recognizing this gap, NCFC is launching a groundbreaking research and engagement initiative focused on supporting youth in rural and frontier New Mexico.
Our three-pronged approach includes:
1. Comprehensive Youth Wellness Survey
NCFC is conducting an in-depth survey of 200 youth aged 10-19 across Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, and Luna counties. This research will provide crucial insights into the concerns, aspirations, and stressors facing frontier youth, helping to shape programs that directly address their needs.
2. Hands-On Engagement with Local Food and Community Initiatives
Rather than developing standalone programming, NCFC is embedding youth directly into existing food systems and community-building efforts. Through partnerships with initiatives like the Frontier Food Hub, New Earth Project, and San Vicente Farm, youth will gain hands-on experience in leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. These projects provide a sense of purpose, helping participants build confidence while contributing meaningfully to their communities.
3. Youth-Led Leadership & Advocacy
NCFC is creating a youth-led advocacy group focused on leadership development and civic engagement. Participants will research and develop policy recommendations, presenting them to local decision-makers. This initiative is designed to empower young people by giving them a voice in shaping the future of their communities.
At NCFC, we believe that the key to youth well-being is transformation through action. By leveraging the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework, we aim to shift mindsets from passivity to purpose, helping young people develop resilience, self-efficacy, and the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Our commitment is to create sustainable, scalable models for youth engagement that reach even the smallest and most remote communities across the country. By sharing our findings and methodologies, we hope to inspire a movement that prioritizes youth empowerment and long-term well-being.
We invite you to follow our progress and join us in this vital mission. Together, we can help young people in frontier communities build strong, hopeful futures—anchored in connection, purpose, and opportunity.
