March 13, 2025 | From City of New Orleans
City Announces Online Registration for Youth Summer Employment Program
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission, Mayor's Office of Workforce Development, and Mayor's Office of Youth and Families today announced that registration has begun for the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program. More than $3.6 million in funding for youth summer programming has been committed this year, which includes youth camps and employment opportunities. This is part of a robust package of summer opportunities available annually for youth, teens, and young adults in New Orleans.
“It is important to invest in the future of our young people,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "By investing in their education, skill development, and well-being, we can equip them with the tools needed to become effective leaders, successful entrepreneurs, problem solvers, and change-makers. Summer youth programs and workforce opportunities will improve their work readiness, career exploration, and financial independence, aiding in their growth to becoming successful citizens."
"NORD, along with all its partners, stand ready to provide summer programs for the youth of this city," said Larry Barabino Jr., CEO of NORD Commission. "With $1.13 million of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for youth and teen summer programming from the Office of Community Development (OCD) and $450,000 from the City of New Orleans for teen stipends, NORD Commission is one of the only recreation agencies in the country offering these types of stipend-based programs for teens during the summer months. NORD Commission is excited to engage and lead our participants through the summer and provide them with invaluable opportunities to learn and grow."
"I am grateful for the opportunity to incorporate the summer employment program into our overarching vision utilizing workforce development as a strategy that will assist with mitigating some of the issues that we currently face, such as affordable housing, public safety and public health,” said Sunae Villavaso, Director, Mayor's Office of Workforce Development. “By introducing our youth to employment opportunities with the summer programming, we are playing a key role in their professional trajectory. I want to specifically thank Mayor Cantrell and the City Council for allocating $2.1 million to this department to provide summer work opportunities for more than 1,000 youth ages 16-24. This is in alignment with our vision and mission to engage, educate, and empower our young people by providing these types of opportunities."
This year, NORD Commission is offering a total of 28 camps (21 youth camps and 7 teen career exploration camps) that will serve 1,600 kids (ages 4-12) across the city through partnerships with schools, non-profits, and faith-based organizations. Summer camps offer a wide array of academic, cultural, and recreational activities, including field trips to the Audubon Zoo, the Aquarium of the Americas, and NORD Commission pools for water-safety lessons. Parents may visit NORD’s website for a full list of available camps and instructions on what information is needed and how to register their children for camp.
NOLA Youth Works, Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP) and NORD Teen Camp Opportunities:
- NOLA Youth Works and the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program on behalf of the City of New Orleans and the Mayor’s Office, will partner with NORD Commission to deliver the Mayor’s 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program, which will employ or provide wages and stipends to more than 2,000 young people, (ages 16-24) with five program offerings.
- NORD Commission offers Teen Career Camps for teens (ages 13-15) where they can gain valuable experience and explore careers. Teens in the NORD Teen Camps are eligible for a stipend for their participation.
- NOLA Youth Works, Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program offers a program for teens and young adults: Traditional (16-24): Youth are engaged in a friendly work environment, where they learn skills to help them be successful in the workplace.
Applications for NORD Teen Camps, NOLA Youth Works and the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program opened January 6, 2025. There are still a limited number of spaces available. The pre-registration application is currently available online and an appointment is needed to complete the registration process.
To better prepare for the registration process, visit www.nola.gov/nolayouthworks, click the youth information tab, and read the entire page before pre-registering. You will receive an email to schedule your appointment, as they become available. Please print your application and bring all the required documents to your appointment.
NOLA Youth Works and the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program will partner with private companies and non-profit organizations who will provide quality summer experiences at safe, structured, and properly supervised environments.
“Intentionally connecting young people in communities with City-led opportunities, such as NORD Commission camps and the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, is a priority for our office," said Asya M. Howlette, Director, Youth and Families. "In partnership with juvenile justice system stakeholders, who make referrals to our office, these connections will be supported by case management to ensure that we are being strategic and supportive of young people accessing training and financial opportunities”
The City of New Orleans is calling on local businesses and organizations again this year to sign up to be a part of the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. Prospective employers can learn more about the program by visiting www.nola.gov/nolayouthworks. Employers can also request information by emailing msyep@nola.gov or by calling the City’s Office of Workforce Development at (504) 658-4544.
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