By Kevin Hendricks
The Sandoval County Treasurer’s Office is expanding its Junior Treasurer’s Program and will now offer high school elective course credit to selected participants. Treasurer Jennifer Taylor announced the changes on March 31 as the program enters its third year.
The semester-long program, beginning in August, is open to all Sandoval County high school juniors and seniors. This year, four students will be selected, an increase from two in previous years.
“This is our third year, and our goal is to offer the most beneficial program possible,” Taylor said. “We appreciate the support of the education community as participating schools will give elective course credits this year to the selected Junior County Treasurers.”
The program provides hands-on experience in local government, covering topics such as property tax collection, fund allocation, customer service, government investments, and financial reporting transparency. Participants will also attend various county meetings and complete 90 hours of on-the-job shadowing.
Interested students must submit a 200-word or more essay explaining their interest in the program. Essays are due by 5 p.m. on May 16 and should be emailed in PDF format to jtaylor@sandovalcountynm.gov. The four selected candidates will be announced on May 23.
Recently, Giavanna Almanzar from Ask Academy and Mario Templeton from Rio Rancho High School were recognized for completing the 2025 Junior Treasurer’s Program. They attended county commission and investment committee meetings, participated in a mock board of finance meeting and received one-on-one instruction from Taylor.
“It has truly been an honor to engage and mentor these students in hopes that they will walk away with an unforgettable experience as they prepare for their future,” Taylor said.
Upon completion of the program, each Junior County Treasurer will receive a Plaque of Recognition and a medallion at a Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners Meeting. Questions can be directed to Orlando A. Jacquez, Administrative Assistant to the Treasurer’s Office, at 505-867-7579 or ojacquez@sandovalcountynm.gov.