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Summer Success Program Empowers New Orleans Youth

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Mayor's Office of Youth and Families (OYF) has announced the completion of its third year of the Summer Success program, a workforce readiness initiative that connects vulnerable youth with paid work-readiness experiences at local businesses. The program, initiated in 2019, has engaged over 300 youth, with the current cohort consisting of 97 youth, aged 14-17, from all five City Council districts. The initiative is designed to provide a five-week, paid work-readiness experience, coupled with wraparound support services, including case management, transportation assistance, and transitional planning.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Summer Success program was created in 2019 to provide internship opportunities for vulnerable youth during the summer months.
  • The program partners with community-based organizations to offer evidence-based work readiness programs and wraparound support services.
  • This year's cohort consisted of 97 youth, aged 14-17, who received $15/hour for 20 hours per week.
  • The program achieved a 93 percent attendance rate and connected families to critical wraparound services.
  • The case management team provided eight mental health referrals, four referrals to NOLA-PS for help with One App assistance, and two referrals for Healthy Start.
  • The program has engaged over 300 youth since its inception, with 97 youth participating in this year's cohort.
  • The initiative has reduced recidivism rates, with only two youth from the previous cohort reoffending during the program period.
  • Partnerships with local businesses and organizations have provided a range of work readiness experiences, including culinary competitions, entrepreneurship, music composition classes, and construction projects.
  • The Summer Success program is a collaborative effort between the OYF and community-based organizations, including JOB1, New Orleans Public Schools, Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, and Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.
  • Program participants have access to a community of support, including mentorship and career exploration services.

Statistics:

  • 97 youth, aged 14-17, participated in this year's Summer Success program.
  • The program achieved a 93 percent attendance rate.
  • Youth received $15/hour for 20 hours per week.
  • The case management team provided eight mental health referrals, four referrals to NOLA-PS, and two referrals for Healthy Start.
  • 97 youth from all five City Council districts participated in the program.
  • Internship placement partners included Studio 4212 - Beauty Salon and Cosmetology School in New Orleans East, Heroes of New Orleans - Job training program in Algiers, and New Orleans Video Access (NOVAC) - Video production training in Mid-City.

Sources:

  • "New Orleans: Mayor's Office of Youth and Families Announces Completion of Summer Success Program." (no date)
  • Emily Wolff, Director, Mayor's Office of Youth and Families. (no date)
  • Le'Kedra Robertson, Director, Milne Inspiration Center 'MicAmped'. (no date)

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