YouthForce NOLA was launched in summer 2015 as a collaboration between an expanding group of partner organizations fueled by the desire for every New Orleans public high school student to have access to the information, training, and experiences necessary to prepare for high-wage, high-demand careers aligned to our regional industries. Our primary guiding belief is that this work – when done well – will prepare an increasing percentage of New Orleans graduates for success in both college and career.

YouthForce NOLA partners with schools to provide grant funding and technical support, while also building capacity with employers and training providers and building a citywide ecosystem for career readiness. This steady increase in capacity will ensure that we achieve our five-year goals:

• 20% of the Class of 2020 will earn industry-recognized culminating credentials that will place them on high-wage, high-demand regional career pathways.
• 10% of the Class of 2020 will complete YouthForce Internships.
• Citywide, more students will demonstrate employer validated, career-ready soft skills.