What does your future look like?
Helping high school students connect school to career.
We connect high school students to internships, training programs, and real-world experiences that help them explore careers and get ready for what comes after high school. Our network includes 100% of public high schools in New Orleans and hundreds of local employers and partners.
Career-Connected Learning
Career-connected learning is a structured approach that links education with real-world experiences to prepare students for future success. YouthForce NOLA works with hundreds of collaborators to support young people on their path through career-connected learning experiences.
Students & Families
Explore internships, career exposure, free raining, and tools to prepare for life after high school.
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Educators
Access resources, tools, and support to strengthen career-connected learning and build students’ soft skills in your school.
Businesses
Support young people, host interns, and help build the future workforce of New Orleans.
Partners
Learn how we collaborate with schools, training providers, and community partners to prepare young people for careers.
High School Internship
Our summer internship gives rising high school seniors a chance to build soft skills, gain paid work experience, and explore careers through hands-on learning and support.
Through the internship, you’ll get access to:
Paid work experience
Career exposure and skill-building
Soft skills training
Support from coaches and partners
A stronger plan for the next steps after high school
More Student Opportunities
Future Ready Guide
Explore internships, career exposure, free raining, and tools to prepare for life after high school.
Career Exploration
Explore career pathways, industries, and employers.
Career Prep Videos
Watch short, practical videos that help you with early career skills.
Free Training & Credentials
Access training that helps you build skills and prepare for careers.
The Power of Opportunity
YouthForce NOLA was founded in 2015 with the belief in the extraordinary potential of every young person. We fuel a movement that prepares young people to graduate high school on a path to career success. Today, 97% of YouthForce NOLA alumni have successfully continued to college or a career.
Over the past few years, YouthForce NOLA has also developed a dedicated policy and data team that regularly engages with elected officials, government staff, and key stakeholders to support partners’ priorities, secure public funds, and study the impact of our work.
Our Impact
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![Three black women stand behind several pieces of science equipment]()
Career exploration
20,531 opportunities to explore career options at school and by visiting businesses have been provided by the YouthForce NOLA network.
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![Two men in white shirts stand behind a carpentry bench; one is using a drill.]()
Real-world experience
1,869 high schoolers have earned over $3 million in paid internships since YouthForce NOLA’s founding in 2015.
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Soft-skills training
423 educators use soft skills in their classrooms. Research shows that young people who participated in soft skills courses were less likely to be absent than comparison students.
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![Two black boys stand smiling, side-by-side in white lab coats with a blue logo and safety glasses]()
Pathways to the future
4,600 basic and advanced credentials in good-paying and high-demand industries have been earned by students in the YouthForce NOLA network, including credentials in Skilled Crafts, Health Sciences, Business Services, and Digital Media and IT.
Meet Our Alumni
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![Photo of Nari Abbott, a YouthForce NOLA Intern alumni. Nari is standing against a purple background wearing a pink and black striped shirt.]()
Nari Abbott
"Growth doesn't always look the same for everyone, but every step forward matters. Keep showing up for yourself and your future."
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![Photo of James Milligan III, a YouthForce NOLA Intern alumni. James stands against an orange background and is wearing a blue suit.]()
James Milligan III
"YouthForce NOLA had a lasting impact on my life. One of the main priorities that YouthForce focused on was not only those hard skill trainings but those soft skills that are important for day-to-day life."
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![Tatyana Stevenson stands smiling in front of a purple background holding an ipad. She is wearing a red sweater shirt.]()
Tatyana Stevenson
“I was very determined to learn, work, and finish the program. I got a feel for that and everything else went out the window.”
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![Nathanial Kenner is wearing a white shirt under an orange safety vest and white helmet with the US Army Corps of Engineering logo on it. He is standing smiling in front of a yellow background.]()
Nathanial Kenner
“I love the way YouthForce helped me grow as a young professional. For the first time outside of school I was creating my own self as a young adult.”
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![Photo of Psalms Joseph, a YouthForce NOLA Intern alumni. Psalms is standing against a blue background and is wearing a white lab coat over a pink button up shirt.]()
Psalms Joseph
"YouthForce NOLA gave me that opportunity to start my shadowing-ship. After I become a doctor I definitely want to come back to New Orleans and give back to my people, give back to my community."
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![Photo of Dylan Lazo, a YouthForce NOLA Intern alumni. Dylan stands against a dark green background and is wearing a yellow button up shirt.]()
Dylan Lazo
"YouthForce was one of the most impactful things I've done in my high school years. It helped me a lot with professional things like resume building, attire, and code-switching."
Latest News
Stories, updates, and perspectives on the work connecting New Orleans students to careers and opportunity.
Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, business, or community partner, YouthForce NOLA can help you find the right next step!