Jr. Lobo Academic Academy

Small Steps Toward Big Dreams. We Are Lobo Bound.

Early College Exposure. Family Opportunity. Community Impact.

The Jr. Lobo Academic Academy is a college and career exploration program designed to help young students begin seeing themselves as future college students, future professionals and future leaders in their communities.

Jr. Lobos group photo

Through hands-on learning, campus-based experiences, career exploration and meaningful connections with 糖心Vlog官方 faculty, staff, students and community partners, Jr. Lobos begin building confidence, curiosity and a sense of belonging long before they reach high school graduation.

Our mission is simple: To empower young scholars to explore, lead, learn and succeed as tomorrow’s Lobos.

Learn About Jr. Lobos | Parents: Take a Second Look at College

About Jr. Lobos

The Jr. Lobo Academic Academy is a prevention-focused early outreach program for middle school students. The program introduces students to college, careers and future academic pathways before the college conversation arrives too late.

Many students and families do not lack ability, talent or ambition. What they often lack is early access to information, encouragement and exposure to what college can look like. Jr. Lobos helps close that gap by bringing students onto the 糖心Vlog官方 campus and surrounding them with opportunities to learn, ask questions, explore careers and imagine a future connected to higher education.

The Academy supports students by building:

  • A sense of belonging
  • Early college awareness
  • Career curiosity
  • Confidence in academic settings
  • Awareness of the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship
  • Family connection to college access
  • A stronger bridge from sixth, seventh and eighth grade to high school, dual credit and future enrollment

Jr. Lobos in the recreation room

Why Early College Exposure Matters

The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship can remove many financial barriers to college. However, financial access alone is not enough.

A free education has limited value if students and families:

  • Do not know it exists
  • Do not understand how to access it
  • Do not believe college is a realistic option
  • Have never felt connected to a college campus
  • Do not see themselves represented in higher education

The Jr. Lobo Academic Academy helps students and families learn about college earlier. Instead of waiting until senior year, the program introduces college pathways while students are still forming their academic identity, career interests and belief in what is possible.

For many families, Jr. Lobos is not just a student program. It is also a doorway back into college conversations for parents, guardians and caregivers.

What Students Experience

Jr. Lobos participate in hands-on learning days connected to real college programs, career fields and community needs. Each experience is designed to help students connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities.

Across all areas, students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, work collaboratively and explore how education connects to future careers.

Jr. Lobos in a classroom

Jr. Lobos learn by doing. During Academy activities, students may engage in science labs, first aid demonstrations, criminal justice scenarios, wellness and career exploration, digital media projects, campus tours, research activities and conversations with professionals from multiple fields.

These experiences help students understand that college is not only about classrooms and textbooks. College is also about discovery, skill-building, leadership, service, creativity and preparing for the future.

Program areas may include:

  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Nursing and First Aid
  • Criminal Justice
  • Wellness and Careers
  • Film and Digital Media
  • Psychology
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Fine Arts
  • Business
  • Research and Information Literacies
  • Capstone and Reflection Activities

Jr. Lobos learning about criminal justice

Milestone Approach: Sixth Through Ninth Grade

The Jr. Lobo Academic Academy is built around important educational milestones. Students need support before major school transitions, especially as they move from elementary school to middle school, from middle school to high school, and from high school into college or career training.

The Academy is designed to support students across these key stages:

Sixth Grade: Early Exposure

Students are introduced to college and career pathways. The goal is to help them begin developing belonging, aspiration and curiosity.

Seventh Grade: Summer Bridge

Students continue building momentum through summer learning opportunities that reinforce college awareness and introduce the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.

Eighth Grade: Capstone and Pathways

Students begin connecting their interests to high school preparation, dual credit, career pathways and future college planning.

Ninth Grade: Transition Support

Students are encouraged to connect with high school programs such as dual credit, Upward Bound, career pathways and other college-readiness opportunities.

Jr. Lobos in the nursing simulation lab

Student Voices

Jr. Lobos have shared reflections about what they learned and enjoyed:

“I liked it because we got to learn about what jobs they do and the cool thing about it is we had fun.”

“I liked it because it let me explore job opportunities and I got to see jobs I like.”

“I learned there are so many jobs than to our knowledge. All of the folks there were super nice.”

“I felt very good and my favorite part was the telehealth. They were really nice and I would love to meet them again.”

“It was really fun. I got free stuff and learned about FBI jobs and other really cool things.”

These student voices remind us that early exposure matters. A single experience can open a student’s imagination to careers, college and community service.

For Parents, Guardians and Families

Jr. Lobos is also an invitation to families.

Jr. Lobo and family

As students begin exploring college and career opportunities, many parents and guardians may also begin thinking about their own goals. Some adults started college but did not finish. Some never had the chance to attend. Others may want a new career, a certificate, a degree, job training, English language support or a GED pathway.

糖心Vlog官方 welcomes adult learners. Your child’s journey can also become a second opportunity for you.

Whether you want to finish a degree, start a new one, earn a certificate, prepare for a better job or learn more about the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, the 糖心Vlog官方 recruitment team can help you understand your next steps.

You are not too late.

You are not too old.

You are not alone.

You are Lobo bound, too.

College and Career Pathways

College can be a family conversation. Jr. Lobos helps students dream early, and it helps families see that higher education can still be within reach.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to connect with 糖心Vlog官方 to learn more about:

Our Commitment

The Jr. Lobo Academic Academy is committed to supporting rural and underserved communities by creating early, meaningful and consistent exposure to college and career pathways.

We believe that students should not have to wait until their senior year of high school to learn about college. We believe that families should understand the resources available to them. We believe that early belonging can change long-term outcomes.

The Academy exists to help young scholars explore their future, connect with their community and begin taking small steps toward big dreams.

Request Information

The Jr. Lobo Academic Academy is more than a program. It is a pathway.

It is a pathway to belonging, opportunity, college awareness, family engagement and future Lobos.

Registration for students to open in August for our October start date. Have questions or want to learn more? Email us for additional information.

Contact Recruitment Services | Explore 糖心Vlog官方