The ID HOST Collaborative is a community-centered initiative that brings together leaders from the Highland Cluster’s community schools in Albuquerque’s International District. Supported by the New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC), the collaborative creates a space for principals, community school coordinators, district partners, and local organizations to connect, share resources, and work together to better support students and families.

Schools in the Highland Cluster often face similar challenges, including limited volunteer support, low family engagement, and barriers to accessing funding and resources. The ID HOST Collaborative helps address these challenges by creating a consistent space for open conversation, collaboration, and shared problem-solving. Through regular meetings and ongoing communication, school leaders can learn from one another, identify opportunities for partnership, and strengthen the network of support surrounding their school communities.

The collaborative also serves as a bridge between schools and community programs that support student success, parent engagement, and family stability. NMBLC works with partners across Albuquerque to connect schools with opportunities that expand resources and strengthen culturally responsive community engagement.

One key outcome of the collaborative is the creation of a shared community calendar across the Highland Cluster. Schools contribute their signature events so partners and families can stay informed and avoid scheduling conflicts. This coordination helps increase participation, strengthen relationships between schools, and create a more connected community for families in the International District.

Through the ID HOST Collaborative, schools gain a stronger support network and families benefit from clearer communication and more opportunities to engage in their children’s education. The initiative helps build trust, strengthen partnerships, and reinforce the idea that schools and communities succeed best when they work together.

The long-term vision is to create a unified ecosystem where schools, families, and community partners collaborate to ensure every student in the Highland Cluster has the support and opportunities they need to thrive.