In an announcement made by the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission, coupled with the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development and the Mayor's Office of Youth and Families, registration for the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program has officially opened. This initiative is a lifeline for many young residents, staking out over $3.6 million in funds specifically set aside for youth summer camps and employment gigs.
"It is important to invest in the future of our young people," Mayor LaToya Cantrell said, emphasizing the importance of equipping young folks with education, skill development, and overall well-being. This isn't just about summer fun; it's about preparing the next generation to hold the mantle of leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program is seen as a crucible for work readiness, career exploration, and an early taste of financial independence—all factors that contribute to the stew of growing successful citizens, as per the City of New Orleans press release.
On the frontlines of this endeavor is the NORD Commission, with its CEO, Larry Barabino Jr., heralding the agency's unique position. The Commission is armed with $1.13 million from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding specifically for youth and teen summer programming and another $450,000 from the City of New Orleans for teen stipends. According to Barabino, this allows the NORD Commission to offer stipend-based programs through the summertime, a rarity among recreation agencies nationwide. The goal is to steer participants towards invaluable learning and personal development.
Adding dimension to these plans, Sunae Villavaso, Director of the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development, framed the summer employment program within a broader vision—one that tackles issues like affordable housing, public safety, and public health through workforce development. With a $2.1 million allocation from the city, more than 1,000 youths aged 16-24 are penciled in to gain employment this summer. "By introducing our youth to employment opportunities with the summer programming, we are playing a key role in their professional trajectory," Villavaso told the City of New Orleans press release.
Parents can register their kids for summer camp on the NORD Commission's website. There are 28 camp options—21 for youth and 7 for teen career exploration—serving 1,600 kids ages 4-12. The camps, offered through schools, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations, include a mix of academics, cultural activities, field trips to places like the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium of the Americas, and water-safety lessons at the pool.
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