504ward

504ward, an initiative of The Idea Village developed in collaboration with a broad spectrum of New Orleans business and civic organizations, is designed to retain the influx of young movers and shakers who are arriving in New Orleans with dual aspirations of sparking social change and advancing their careers. For decades, New Orleans suffered from a “brain drain” as recent college graduates left the city in pursuit of opportunities elsewhere. Post-Katrina, New Orleans has enjoyed an influx of young talent - individuals bold enough to take a chance and smart enough to see a unique opportunity in reinventing a great American city. 504ward seeks to retain this group by addressing the issues pertinent to the 23-35 year-old dynamic: career prospects, social engagement, and opportunity for community impact.