The New Mexico Department of Transportation recently celebrated the first graduates of its “Land of Enchantment Young Ambassadors” program – an initiative designed to empower high school students from across New Mexico to lead local beautification efforts.
[Above photo by NMDOT]
The 2025–2026 cohort of the “Young Ambassadors” program, part of NMDOT’s “Que Linda” program and the governor’s youth-focused #KeepLitterOut campaign, is made up of 14 high school juniors and seniors from across the state, each committed to organizing beautification projects and long-term capstone initiatives addressing litter and graffiti prevention in their communities.
“New Mexico’s students are proving that leadership has no age limit. Our inaugural Land of Enchantment Young Ambassadors cohort has taken meaningful action to improve their communities while inspiring others to do the same,” said Governor Lujan Grisham (D) in a statement.
“Their efforts are truly impressive, helping build a culture of stewardship and civic pride that will benefit our state for generations to come. I look forward to watching this program, and our students, continue to grow and empower young leaders across our state,” she added.
Collectively, NMDOT said the 2025-2026 cohort of Young Ambassadors hosted 17 cleanup events and engaged with 338 volunteers, resulting in the collection of 15,240 pounds or 7.62 tons of trash across New Mexico. Beyond cleanup efforts, cohort members also amplified the message through two letters published in newspapers across the state, urging New Mexicans to join litter prevention and cleanup efforts.
Since launching in October 2024, the statewide “Breaking Bad Habits” and the youth-focused #KeepLitterOut campaigns have resulted in the collection of more than 5,473 tons of trash from across New Mexico through coordinated cleanup efforts and community partnerships. Organizers hope the program will continue to inspire students throughout the state to join this civic engagement effort, as well as participate in community beautification, sustainability, and other environmental leadership initiatives.
