Albuquerque families preparing for the upcoming school year can get free backpacks, school supplies and shoe vouchers at a city event next weekend, while also accessing affordable year-round after-school programs that cost significantly less than commercial alternatives.
The City of Albuquerque will host “Cruzin’ Into the School Year” events on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at two locations: Cesar Chavez Community Center and West Mesa Community Center. The events provide immediate relief for families facing back-to-school expenses, with thousands of backpacks and school supplies available while supplies last, according to a city press release.
The event includes shoe vouchers provided by Coyote Gravel, a local family-owned concrete company that has operated in Albuquerque since 1980. Pre-registration is required for the August event.
Beyond the immediate back-to-school assistance, the city offers year-round programs that provide affordable alternatives for working families across Albuquerque’s estimated 70,000-82,000 students in the Albuquerque Public Schools district.
City after-school programs cost families $15 per month per child plus a $20 annual membership fee. Programs serve children ages 5-15, from kindergarten through age 15, with before-school programs starting at 7:30 a.m. and after-school programs running until 5:30 p.m.
Registration for fall programs begins Monday, July 28, at 8 a.m. through the city’s play.cabq.gov platform on a first-come, first-served basis. Families need to create an account first, and phone support is available at 505-767-5800.
The city offers three main program types:
Community Center Programs: Available at most city community centers around Albuquerque, many offering transportation from nearby schools. Cost: $20 annual membership plus $15 per month per child.
Multi-Generation Center Programs: Similar programming at multi-generation centers across the city. Cost: $20 annual membership plus $15 per month per child.
Play + at APS School Sites: Before- and after-school programs located directly at various APS elementary schools. Includes a one-time $10 registration fee per child.
“We understand how important it is for kids to feel prepared from day one,” said Jess Martinez, director of the city’s Youth & Family Services department, in the press release. “Our goal is to make sure families have support in and outside the classroom.”
The city’s Youth & Family Services department also coordinates with the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Library System, which operates 19 branches and offers additional family programming. The libraries will host “Third Thursday” events starting Aug. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring free pop-up story time and information about library resources for families.
Beyond after-school care, the city offers several other programs:
- Inclusion Recreation: Specialized programming at Loma Linda Community Center and support for children with disabilities at all community center sites
- Summer Programs: Eight-week summer recreation programs for children ages 5-15 at each city community center
- Job Opportunities: Employment and internship opportunities for youth ages 14-24
For families interested in the Aug. 2 back-to-school event, pre-registration is required. More information about ongoing youth programs is available at the city’s website or by calling 505-767-5800.
