2025 Program Impact
Program Accomplishments
- Program Scale and Participation
- Applications Received – 2,048
- Youth Employed – 1,022
- College Interns Placed in Field-Specific Roles – 230
- Total Participant Work Hours – Over 123,054 hours completed across a 6-8 week period
Ease of Participation
- 83% of employers rated participation between 1 and 2 on a 5-point scale (1 being easiest), indicating a smooth and accessible experience.
Program Communication
- 91% of employers reported being very satisfied or satisfied with communication from MSYEP staff, highlighting our commitment to clarity and responsiveness.
Program Continuation
- An overwhelming 99% expressed interest in returning to MSYEP in 2026- the continued engagement is the heart of the program’s success.
Participant Preparedness
- 91% of employers rated the youth participants as excellent or good in terms of preparedness, demonstrating the impact of the training and onboarding efforts.
Program Growth & IMPACT NOLA
- Expanded Employer Network – In 2025, 50 new businesses joined the program, further diversifying career fields and increasing job placement opportunities
- Citywide Engagement – MSYEP’s footprint across New Orleans empowers youth while fostering civic pride, neighborhood vitality, and inclusive development. This record-breaking year reaffirms that the program is not only successful but essential.
Economic Impact
MSYEP made powerful contributions to financial stability for youth and their families while boosting local commerce.
- Household Income Support: Over $1.67 million in wages were distributed to families across New Orleans, directly injecting resources into the community.
- Financial Literacy Milestone: 91% of youth saved at least $100 during the program, reinforcing lessons in money management and budgeting.
- Business Contribution & STEM Growth: STEM NOLA employed 50 youth, helping build STEM kits that contributed to educational equity and economic mobility in the range of 2 million dollars.
Program Growth and IMPACT NOLA
- MSYEP continues to serve as a catalyst for opportunity, innovation, and regional advancement.:
- Expanded Employer Network: In 2025, 50 new businesses joined the program, further diversifying career fields and increasing job placement options.
- Citywide Engagement: MSYEP's footprint across New Orleans empowers youth while fostering civic pride, neighborhood vitality, and inclusive development.
MSYEP is more than a seasonal employmement program - it is a strategic investment in New Orleans future workforce. By integrating career development, economic empowerment, and sector growth, the program lays the groundwork for generational opportunity and neighborhood resilence. This record breaking year reaffirms that the program is not only successful bur essential.
Success Stories
Antonio Underwood – Intern NOLA Participant
Antonio graduated from Xavier University with a degree in Criminal Justice and interned with the City of New Orleans Law Department through MSYEP. Today, he has purchased his first home and secured full-time employment.
"I want to sincerely thank Director Karmen McKinley for providing me with the opportunity to be an intern over the past years. I truly appreciate the experiences, guidance, and support I've gained through the program."
From Our Employer Partners
Dr. Elliott Beaton
Associate Professor, University of New Orleans | Director of the SCANLab
"Thanks to the Mayor's Youth Employment Program, we've welcomed exceptional future scientists and physicians into our team. One standout—a high school TRIO Upward Bound graduate who spent a summer with us—is now beginning his second year of neuroscience at Tulane University. His progress proves how invaluable this program is. It supports our research while giving students real job training, hands-on education, and soft skills development. I highly recommend it."
From Our Participants
Azaliah Sutherland
MSYEP Participant
"For someone who hasn't had this opportunity, actively reach out. You might be hesitant, but you will gain experience. Be confident in yourself. Initially, I was shy and nervous, but I noticed people around me were supportive and great to talk to."