Future Ready Guide

Future Ready Checklist

Through YouthForce NOLA’s efforts, public school students in New Orleans experience all of the career-connected learning opportunities from our Future Ready checklist.

What: You can’t apply for a job if you don’t know it exists. Career exposure opportunities provide students with knowledge of various careers, including good-paying local jobs.
When: Throughout high school and, sometimes, as early as middle school.
How: Opportunities are typically organized directly with schools through YouthForce NOLA and Junior Achievement’s Future Connect program. Learn more from school leaders, counselors, or CTE leads at your high school.
What: Young people benefit from explicit opportunities to learn about and practice soft skills like communication, teamwork, and other interpersonal skills necessary for success at school, on the job, and in life. Learn more on the soft skills page.
When: In classrooms and embedded in career-connected learning opportunities during high school.
How: YouthForce NOLA trains educators, coaches, professionals, and others who work with youth to nurture young people’s soft skills. Learn more from school leaders, counselors, or CTE leads at your high school.
What: Industry-based credentials (sometimes called IBCs) are certifications created by industries to confirm that individuals have mastered the critical skills necessary to be effective employees in a specific job or career.
When: Most students sign up for training during 10th and 11th grade and then take the classes with training providers during 11th and 12th grade.
How: Public school students can enroll in free training to help students master essential technical skills and earn industry-based credentials at most open-enrollment* high schools in New Orleans. Learn more about credentials and training offerings from school leaders, counselors, or CTE leads at your high school.
*Open-enrollment public high schools are those that do not have admissions requirements
What: Opportunities to complete free college-level coursework during high school
When: Most students sign up for these courses during 10th and 11th grade and then take the classes with training providers or at community colleges during 11th and 12th grade.
How: Public school students can take free courses to get a head start on college coursework at most open-enrollment* high schools in New Orleans. Learn more about college credits and dual-enrollment offerings from school leaders, counselors, or CTE leads at your high school.
*Open-enrollment public high schools are those that do not have admissions requirements
What: Real-world experience with a local employer
When: YouthForce NOLA offers a paid internship for public high school students between the summer of 11th and 12th grade. More opportunities may be available through your school or other city agencies.
How: Visit our internship page to learn about YouthForce NOLA’s paid internship, see if you are eligible, and complete an interest form or application.
What: Relationships with industry experts who make connections to job opportunities and provide career advice.
When: In classrooms and embedded in career-connected learning opportunities during high school.
How: YouthForce NOLA makes connections between schools and businesses so students can start building professional networks before graduating from high school.