Board approves MOU with Capacity Builders for Generation Hojo behavioral‑health pathway

The Central Consolidated School District board unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with Capacity Builders to participate in "Generation Hojo," a HRSA‑funded behavioral‑health career pathways initiative.

Ms. Gee, Senior Project Director at Capacity Builders, told the board the grant will support high school and junior high students with career exposure, peer‑led activities and partnerships with higher‑education institutions. "We were awarded $400,000 for this grant," she said during her presentation, and listed partner institutions that include UNM‑Gallup, Navajo Technical University, Dine College and Fort Lewis College.

Under the plan, Capacity Builders will recruit student peers, offer stipends and work with school guidance counselors to host career fairs and pathway activities. The presenter described additional local prevention work by the nonprofit and said the Generation Hojo effort is intended to fill local workforce gaps in behavioral health.

A board member moved to approve the MOU and the motion was seconded; the vote in open session carried with recorded 'yes' responses by board members present. There were no recorded dissenting votes during the approval.

District officials said next steps include coordinating with school counselors and staff to identify participating schools and students, formalizing the partnership logistics and confirming stipend procedures. The MOU approval allows Capacity Builders to begin coordination and youth outreach in the coming months.