High school is changing in Albuquerque. New Mexico's biggest school district, Albuquerque Public Schools, is expanding its Academies of Albuquerque initiative, which blends traditional academics with hands-on learning and career pathways in fields like STEM, health science, culinary arts, and skilled trades. As public schools face declining enrollment and growing competition from charter and private schools, districts are looking for new ways to keep students engaged and prepare them for life after graduation. Kenneth Salazar, Associate Superintendent of High Schools at APS, joins Chris and Gabby to explain how the program works, what's changing in year two, and why APS believes this is the future of high school education. Is career-focused learning giving students a head start, or asking them to choose a path too soon? How is industry connecting with New Mexico students at a younger age? 

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