LAUNCH program moving from YouthForce to New Orleans Career Center
New Orleans, La., October 20, 2021 – LAUNCH, the first program in New Orleans to provide a bridge for students from high school to college and career, is moving to the New Orleans Career Center (NOCC), beginning in the 2022-2023 school year.
LAUNCH began at YouthForce NOLA in 2019 as a free year-long career preparation pilot program, following a collaborative application led by New Orleans Public Schools and approved by the Louisiana Department of Education under the innovative extension academy policy. The work done so far by YouthForce NOLA has been essential and will provide a foundation for NOCC to build upon, as both organizations optimize their roles in the youth talent development ecosystem.
“We created LAUNCH to provide students with the skills, confidence and connections needed to develop strong career plans and achieve career success,” said Cate Swinburn, YouthForce co-founder and president. “As an intermediary, YouthForce will continue to harness resources in support of partner programs, pursue policy and other system solutions, and support the continued growth of the youth talent development ecosystem.”
LAUNCH @ NOCC will continue to multiply postsecondary options and increase economic mobility for young people. Emily Ferris, executive director of LAUNCH at YouthForce, will join the NOCC team and continue to lead the program.
“With the move to NOCC, we will be able to expand the LAUNCH bridge year program, making the high quality career prep and technical education offered by local training providers available to more students,” said Claire Jecklin, NOCC founding executive director. “Thanks to YouthForce NOLA for laying a great foundation and infrastructure. With Emily’s continuing leadership, LAUNCH’s move to NOCC will strengthen the mission, student experience, and outcomes. ”
LAUNCH is a particularly good fit for seniors who want more time, coaching, and support after high school to develop their five-year college and career plans. LAUNCH participants also develop technical and soft skills while building a network of peers and professional contacts who can support and enhance their personal planning and professional journey.
During the year, LAUNCH participants start or continue technical training to earn advanced industry-based credentials or certifications, and train for careers in healthcare, skilled crafts, digital media, software development, or information technology.
Angelle Oatis, who currently works as the LAUNCH program assistant at YouthForce, enrolled in LAUNCH in 2019 after graduating from Edna Karr High School. A certified nursing assistant, Angelle completed the LAUNCH program, earning the first Southern New Hampshire University Business Operations Certificate. She recently was admitted to nursing school.
"LAUNCH was a great option for me. I was able to earn pre-nursing certifications and build connections in the healthcare industry,” Oatis said. “LAUNCH was a better opportunity to get a jumpstart on my career rather than four years of college. That's a long time without practical experience.”
NOCC is expanding the program seats to 60 students for next year. Any student in the Class of 2022 who meets graduation requirements from an open-enrollment New Orleans high school is eligible to apply. The LAUNCH @ NOCC application is now open for current seniors. The priority deadline is Dec. 15, 2021 and the final application deadline is April 30, 2022.
About New Orleans Career Center
The New Orleans Career Center (NOCC) connects Orleans Parish high school students and adults with clear pathways to high-demand, high-wage careers in healthcare, hospitality, and engineering/manufacturing. Trainees develop the technical and soft skills they need to succeed in professional environments through hands-on learning with industry and education experts. Since opening in 2018, NOCC has prepared more than 725 high school students for college and careers. In 2020, NOCC launched an intensive Rapid Reskill program to train and credential adults 18 and older as certified Patient Care Technicians (PCT). More than 120 adults have earned the PCT certification and gained immediate employment. For more information, visit Nolacc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
About YouthForce NOLA
YouthForce NOLA is an education, business, and civic collaborative that builds bridges between school and work. Through its network of partner schools, employers, training providers, and community organizations, YouthForce is opening more doors to economic opportunity for New Orleans students. Its vision is that New Orleans public school graduates will thrive economically as a result of being the most sought-after talent for hiring and advancement in our region’s high-wage career pathways. Learn more at youthforcenola.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
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