Taos Pueblo Working on Wellness

The WOW Program, primarily benefiting Taos Pueblo youth in New Mexico, offers outdoor adventure activities, sports, and career opportunities to enhance physical and mental well-being, cultivate industry-related skills, and build community connections. In its fourth year with a growing number of participants, the program encourages physical activity through skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking, includes an apprenticeship initiative with Taos Ski Valley, and envisions expanding into a spring/summer biking and potentially a hiking program. Expected outcomes include hiring coordinators and youth interns from prior participants to manage and guide future sessions, and securing internships or part-time roles for these interns within local outdoor businesses, like Taos Ski Valley, along with facilitating access to special certifications such as wilderness first aid and bike coaching instruction.