The ChalleNGe is just the beginning.
The ChalleNGe is just the beginning.
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Help keep the next step within reach.
Cornerstone is an alumni-led nonprofit helping ChalleNGe graduates and young people from other at-risk youth programs move toward education, meaningful work, and independence through scholarships, mentorship, and practical support.
A next step. Someone beside you.
A next step. Someone beside you.
Education within reach
Education within reach
Current work · Purpose-specific scholarships help cover approved supplies, equipment, fees, and credentials for school and workforce readiness.
Connections that continue
Connections that continue
Current work · Mentoring, follow-up, and community referrals help young people navigate opportunities and keep moving when plans change.
Alumni becoming leaders
Alumni becoming leaders
Current work · Mentored board service, volunteering, and speaking opportunities develop alumni who can open doors for others.
We know the value of a fresh start.
We know the value of a fresh start.
Our founder and alumni leaders have lived the difference an opportunity can make. Cornerstone began because support should not disappear at graduation. We bring that perspective to practical decisions, lasting relationships, and the next generation of leadership. Our work is rooted in New Mexico; reaching surrounding states and communities nationwide is a growth vision, not a claim of nationwide operations.
Service comes full circle
Service comes full circle
Cycle 2 New Mexico Job ChalleNGe Academy associates at Master Sergeant Ayala’s retirement ceremony · February 28, 2026.
Associates are pictured in black academy uniforms. In the front row, Staff Sergeant Chapa is at the far left, MSgt Ayala stands beside him, and Lt Col Angela Romero is at the far right.
Chapa, Ayala’s nephew, received coaching and career counseling from his uncle during his U.S. Air Force recruiting journey, including help coordinating with his recruiter—a personal example of guidance passed to the next generation.
Yareli’s next chapter
Yareli’s next chapter
Yareli Strong built on Youth and Job ChalleNGe, earned her CNA credential, and continued at New Mexico Military Institute. Cornerstone helped fund required equipment and academic supplies and continues to provide follow-up and guidance. Her determination leads the story; practical support helps keep the next step within reach.
Academy Partners
Academy Partners
Thank you to the teams at New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy and New Mexico Job ChalleNGe Academy for the care, discipline, teaching, and encouragement you provide every day. You help young people lay a foundation for education, career skills, confidence, and a fresh start.
As an alumni-led nonprofit, Cornerstone builds on that foundation with scholarships, mentoring, community connections, and practical support—complementing the academies’ work as graduates take their next steps.
New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy
New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy
Education, leadership, and a fresh start.
New Mexico Job ChalleNGe Academy
New Mexico Job ChalleNGe Academy
Career skills, credentials, and a next step.
Shared purpose. Independent service.
Shared purpose. Independent service.
New Mexico’s Youth and Job ChalleNGe academies are state-operated programs within the Department of Military Affairs, supported by federal and state funding and subject to National Guard Bureau oversight.
We are grateful for the encouragement of New Mexico Department of Military Affairs leadership and for the collaboration of our academy partners.
Cornerstone is independently governed and is not an agency of the National Guard, Department of Defense, or State of New Mexico. Academy partnership reflects collaboration—not government funding of Cornerstone or approval of a proposed pilot.
Community Partners & Supporters
Community Partners & Supporters
Opportunity grows when a community shows up. Thank you to the businesses, nonprofits, faith communities, and supporters who contribute connections, resources, and encouragement to help young people move forward.
New Mexico Military Museum Foundation
New Mexico Military Museum Foundation
Community connection
RoadSafe Traffic Systems
RoadSafe Traffic Systems
Traffic safety
Vision City Church
Vision City Church
Men’s Ministry
Natalina Photography
Natalina Photography
Photography
Liberty Business Group
Liberty Business Group
Financial services and life insurance
libertybusinessgrp@gmail.com
Construction Enterprises Inc.
Construction Enterprises Inc.
New Mexico residential and commercial builder
ceiswh@aol.com
Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States
Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States
Men of Liberty
Men of Liberty
Help open the next door.
Help open the next door.
Give, explore mentoring, or connect your organization with Cornerstone. Assistance depends on eligibility, approval, available funds, and applicable donor restrictions.
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