YouthForce NOLA

Continuing our celebration of National Apprenticeship Week with our partners at NOVAC! If you are a young person looking for training in film and digital media, NOVAC is the place for you. Their upcoming pre-apprenticeship program will focus on video editing, building a reel, and hands-on experience in film and video. Luke Harris, a participant in NOVAC’s 2023 Community Filmmaker Cohort, a similar program to their pre-apprenticeship, shared “I shifted my perspective after directing a project with NOVAC because of the great mentors… NOVAC offers an excellent opportunity to aspiring filmmakers to create films.” Apprenticeships are powerful because they combine learning with action, which is why access to apprenticeships is a part of our career-connected learning checklist for future ready students. Stay in the loop with NOVAC’s offerings and apply to their 2025 Community Filmmaker Cohort by following them at New Orleans Video Access Center and checking out their website. #ApprenticeshipUSA #NAW2024

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! YouthForce NOLA recently secured a $4 million grant to rapidly grow pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeships in New Orleans. With this funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, nearly 1,700 young people will have the chance to participate in hands-on learning for high-wage jobs including carpentry, electrical, welding, HVAC, licensed practical nurse, pharmacy technician, and more. Much of this training will take place at New Orleans Career Center, where a record number of graduating trainees launched their careers in high-wage industries by signing on to full-time Registered Apprenticeships, part-time work while pursuing further education, or other exciting opportunities in May 2024. Get a first look at NOCC’s trainee experiences at New Orleans Career Center and learn more about National Apprenticeship Week #ApprenticeshipUSA #NAW2024

We are thrilled to share the first video in our new initiative, Future Ready! With Future Ready, we’ll demystify good-paying, high-demand career paths through conversations with local partners. In this episode, James Self talks with Kayla Santiago about pursuing a career in Cybersecurity and IT. You’ll hear about James’ personal experiences in the field, how to start a career in IT, and professional tips for success in career and life! Take a look, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and let us know what you think in the comments. #careerconnectedlearning #futureready https://lnkd.in/g4_kGViM

Today our office is closed in honor of the brave individuals who have made sacrifices to serve in the armed forces of the United States.

This school year, YouthForce NOLA has teamed up with Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, Inc. and STEM NOLA to bring science to life for middle school students. Each event includes up to 50 hands-on experiments that demonstrate everyday uses of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. On October 22nd, students from Dwight D. Eisenhower and Pierre A. Capdau attended the first STEM event. They had the opportunity to build mini cars, fly drones, try out virtual reality programs, complete circuit boards, and more! As students participate in this collaboration, our goal is for them to consider the STEM career opportunities available after high school and feel empowered to take advantage of the career-connected learning programs that will be available to them in the coming years as they enter high school.

Last month, the YouthForce NOLA team visited the TEP Center, a space dedicated to educating the community on New Orleans’ Civil Rights history. While there, our team had the incredible opportunity to engage in a thoughtful discussion with Leona Tate, one of three girls who integrated McDonogh # 19 in 1960. Our conversations created space for our team to reflect on the history of integration in New Orleans schools and how it relates to our work in our public schools today. Not only is the TEP Center an excellent resource for Civil Rights education in New Orleans, but they are a steadfast partner in our internship. For the past several summers, the Leona Tate Foundation for Change and the TEP Center have hosted several interns, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and learn about their city. Plan your visit to the TEP Center by visiting their website linked below! https://www.tepcenter.org/

Last week, in collaboration with?YouthForce NOLA,153 students from six schools (McDonogh 35, McMain, NOCC, Edna Karr, Abramson Sci, and NOMMA) participated in hands-on activities?at We Work The Waterways?at Port Nola. The day was presented by local companies to learn more about future career opportunities in the maritime, shipping, and logistics sector. A special thanks to the companies who attended and created lifelong learning experiences for these students! Port of New Orleans, Cooper Mooring, ARTCo, Blessey Marine Services , Associated Terminals, Wood Resources, Laborde Marine Management, Port NOLA Harbor Police Department, Delgado Fire School (Delgado Community College), Louisiana Cat, Independent Services Group, Maritime Throwdown, US Army Corps of Engineers NOLA, Karl Senner #YouthEmpowerment #CareerReadiness #CareerOpportunities #Community #JAGNO #JANewOrleans #Entrepreneurship #FinancialLiteracy #YouthForceNola

Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have been stewards of Bulbancha, the stolen land where New Orleans sits. On Indigenous Peoples Day, YouthForce NOLA acknowledges the Indigenous nations and tribal communities whose land we work on, including the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, United Houma Nation, and Acolapissa tribes. We express gratitude for these Indigenous people's contributions and the beautiful, diverse culture they add to our community.

Calling YouthForce NOLA Internship alumni! Did you participate in our internship in 2023 or prior? If so, you should have received an email asking to take our Annual Alumni Survey! Every year, YouthForce NOLA asks alumni to complete our Annual Alumni Survey to help us understand the impact of career-connected learning in life after high school. As a thank you for your time and effort, we are paying each participant a $25 Visa gift card. Reach out to the email above with any questions!

We are excited to announce that two more awesome professionals have joined the YouthForce NOLA team! Shania Nowlin is our new Intern Supports Manager position, bringing with her 5 years of experience working in charter schools and non-profit organizations in the Greater New Orleans area. She recently graduated from Southern University of New Orleans with her Masters of Social Work, and is currently working on obtaining her LMSW. After two summers of working as an Internship Enrollment contractor, Trina Delpit has joined our team as our new Operations Coordinator. She brings with her a passion for art and providing students with career opportunities. Welcome to the team Shania and Trina!