Bridging School and Work.
Businesses supporting tomorrow’s workforce.
Invest in Your Future Talent
YouthForce NOLA is preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s careers, equipping New Orleans public school students with the skills they need for your jobs. Our career-connected learning includes technical training, on-the-job work experience, and the development of invaluable workplace readiness and soft skills like collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
But we need employers like you who are willing to join our collaborative of partners in giving their time to cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals.
Connect High Schoolers to Their Futures
Through Future Connect, YouthForce NOLA and Junior Achievement partner with local business leaders and industry experts to strengthen and reimagine the high school experience for the next generation. Share your wisdom, promote your industry, and help us equip public school students with the skills and know-how they need to be ready for their future careers, including yours right here in New Orleans.
Career Expo
Each spring, we gather 2,000+ public high school freshmen from public schools across the city to expose them to career pathways that will put them on a path to economic prosperity. We focus on good-paying, in-demand careers in four areas (digital media/IT, skilled crafts, health sciences, and business services), while highlighting green infrastructure and STEM careers.
The Career Expo offers the local business community an opportunity to introduce and expose young people to your industry and work in a fun, interactive, and relaxed environment. We can also connect you with local educators planning similar events for their students, and we offer extensive support with planning and execution.
Other opportunities
Be a Guest Speaker
Speak with students as either a 1:1 presentation or a panel about your career and education/training history. We’ll connect you with local educators and help prepare you for the session with talking points and a presentation.
Skill Building
Prepare students for the world of work by introducing them to the essentials of professional communication and relationship-building. We provide lesson plans, and help you incorporate your distinct expertise and experiences.
Site Visit
Host students at your job site for a 60- to 120-minute tour to learn more about your company and overall industry. You can also host educators for a multiday deep-dive to help them prepare their students.
Have another idea? We can adapt or combine our programs—and even co-create new ones with you. Share your idea and we’ll connect you with local schools and students who can benefit from your expertise.
Host an Intern
Every summer, YouthForce NOLA provides competitive, paid internships to rising public high school seniors. We’ll provide 60 hours of intensive training in workplace readiness and essential soft skills – as well as manager training for you – before your intern arrives on their first day. You’ll then provide students with real-world experience while gaining fresh perspectives for your business. These internships are a win-win, giving students invaluable opportunities and helping you build a strong talent pipeline.
Invest in the Future
At YouthForce NOLA, we believe in the extraordinary potential of every young person, but not everyone has the same access to opportunity. With donations from people and businesses like you, we can support students with transportation costs, uniforms, supplies, and more.
Engage New Talent
Contact our team to learn more about donating your time, opportunities to connect with new talent, hosting students or educators at your business, and more!