Program Roundup: Empowering Students for Success!

Over the past couple of months, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans has been hard at work delivering impactful programs that inspire, educate, and empower students for success in work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Here’s a look at some of our recent highlights: 

Exploring Careers on the Waterways

In October, 153 students from six schools—McDonogh 35, McMain, NOCC, Edna Karr High School, Abramson Sci Academy, and NOMMA—joined us at the Port of New Orleans for the We Work the Waterways event. Partnering with YouthForce NOLA, local companies gave students hands-on exposure to career opportunities in the maritime, shipping, and logistics industries.

A huge thank-you to our incredible partners: Port of New Orleans, Cooper Mooring, ARTCo, Blessey Marine Services, Associated Terminals, Wood Resources, Laborde Marine Management, Port NOLA Harbor Police, Delgado Fire School, Louisiana CAT, Independent Services Group, Maritime Throwdown, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Karl Senner. Together, we created unforgettable learning experiences that inspired the next generation of maritime professionals.

STEM Comes to Life for Middle Schoolers

In partnership with YouthForce NOLA and STEM NOLA, JA hosted two dynamic STEM events this fall for middle school students. On October 22, students from Dwight D. Eisenhower and Pierre A. Capdau explored STEM through 50 hands-on activities, including building mini cars, flying drones, experimenting with virtual reality, and completing circuit boards. In November, we welcomed seventh graders from KIPP East Academy, KIPP Morial, KIPP Believe, and KIPP Leadership Academy for another STEM Fest. Students learned how science, technology, engineering, and math shape the world around them and explored future STEM career possibilities. JA looks forward to more STEM Exploration days in the spring!

The Arthur School Career Fair

JA and The Arthur School hosted a Career Fair for 100 students in grades 8–12, connecting them with partners like the New Orleans Career Center, YouthForce NOLA, IBEW Local 130, LSU Health Sciences Center, The Cosmetology Institute, LCMC Health, and Operation Spark. These organizations showcased diverse career pathways, giving students a glimpse into potential futures in fields ranging from healthcare to tech.

Inspiring Entrepreneurs Through JA’s Trust Your Crazy Ideas

At Edna Karr High School, Kwamena Aidoo from Corridor Ventures inspired students as part of JA’s Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge. This program is supported by The UPS Store for its #StartSmallGrowBig initiative, empowering budding entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.

JA Career Speaker Series

Edna Karr High School seniors also welcomed Officer Roland Kindell of the New Orleans Harbor Police Department, who shared his career journey and inspired students with insights into public service and law enforcement.

Our Volunteers Make JA-in-a-Day Impactful

Volunteers continue to be the backbone of our programs, making a difference in classrooms across the region:

  • Langston Hughes Academy: Thanks to Hancock Whitney volunteers, elementary students learned vital lessons in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship through JA Our Community.

  • Esperanza Academy Middle School: Hancock Whitney volunteers also taught financial literacy and career readiness to eager middle school students.

  • Esperanza Academy Elementary School, Tulane University business students in Ashley Nelson’s Art of Management course teamed up with JA to deliver financial literacy programming.

We are so proud of the impact these programs have had on students, preparing them for bright futures in the workforce, as entrepreneurs, and as financially savvy individuals.

Thank you to our incredible volunteers, partners, and supporters for making it all possible!

 

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Team Member Spotlight: Eric Walter, Director of Impact – Post-Secondary Experiences

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Team Member Spotlight: Karla Morris