Save Warehouse 505's Free Youth Afterschool Program

Our Story


At Warehouse 505, we believe in the power of creativity, mentorship, and community to change lives. Since 2009, we’ve provided Albuquerque youth with free, year-round afterschool programs that cultivate creativity, build real-world skills, and prepare young people to thrive as artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

This year, we faced a major challenge: we lost a third of our annual budget due to federal funding cuts, putting these essential programs at risk.

We’re asking for $30,000 to support our mission: keeping our afterschool programs and community events completely free and accessible to every young person who walks through our doors.

Who We Are

Warehouse 505 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, social enterprise, and venue in the heart of Downtown Albuquerque that invests in youth through creative arts, music, and entrepreneurship. We are a community steward dedicated to empowering young people by providing access to ESTEAM (Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), financial literacy, career readiness education, and more.

Our commitment to equity is at the core of our work. We embrace youth from all backgrounds, ensuring our programs remain inclusive and accessible. Each year, we serve over 500 young people - primarily from low-income and underrepresented communities - through mentorship, creative exploration, and hands-on skill building.

What We Do

We offer free, year-round classes for youth ages 13-20, led by professional staff and mentors. Programs range from Modern Band, DJing, and Beatmaking to Mural Arts, Sewing, Screen Printing, Photography, Podcasting, and Youth Entrepreneurship. Students showcase their work at concerts, exhibitions, and business pop-ups, gaining confidence while sharing their talents with the community.

Warehouse 505 also has a fantastic event space that we use for concerts, dance events, poetry readings, conferences, and more. In 2025, we launched our Bodega Records independent label to release the media productions of our students and give New Mexico musicians the chance to release their music. Our in-house Bodega Print Shop offers (small-)businesses and community members to have their products like shirts, hats, hoodies, and even banners printed at an affordable price. All proceeds go directly towards our program and benefit local youth.

Why It Matters

Too many young people in Albuquerque face barriers to education, safe environments, and opportunity. Warehouse 505 defines “vulnerable youth” as those at higher risk of negative outcomes due to limited access to these resources. By keeping our programs free and accessible, we help remove those barriers and empower youth to thrive.

Our programs not only teach creative and technical skills, but also strengthen academic learning, job readiness, and community leadership. From understanding sound frequencies in music production to applying chemistry in screen printing, our classes make ESTEAM learning fun, relevant, and empowering.

Our Journey

- 2005: We began as NM Xtreme Sports Association, offering outdoor and action sports for youth.

- 2009: We became Warehouse 508, expanding into arts, music, and community events.

- 2023: We rebranded as Warehouse 505, moving to 202 Central Avenue to focus more deeply on youth empowerment through creative arts, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

Today, Warehouse 505 is more than just a venue - it’s a launchpad for the next generation of changemakers.

A Success Story

Our Director of Programming, Roberto “Berto” Reyes, started as a participant in Warehouse 505 programs. Guided by mentorship and opportunities here, he grew into a leader who now mentors the next generation of youth. His journey is a powerful example of our mission in action: empowering young people to grow, give back, and lead.

Join Us

By supporting Warehouse 505, you’re investing in the creativity, confidence, and future of Albuquerque’s youth. Your pledge directly funds free, year-round programs that keep young people safe, inspired, and empowered.

Together, we can ensure that every young person - regardless of income, background, or circumstance - has the chance to learn, create, and thrive. Let’s build the future, together.