The New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission, in collaboration with the City of New Orleans Office of Workforce Development and Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families, has announced exciting details regarding the upcoming youth summer programs. These programs aim to provide enriching experiences for young people across all five City Council Districts. The City has allocated over $2 million towards youth summer programming this year.

One of the key initiatives is the Mayor’s 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program, a collaboration between JOB1 NOLA Youth Works and NORD. This program will employ or provide stipends to over 2,000 young individuals aged 13-24. Additionally, NORD is offering 21 youth summer camps, serving approximately 1,600 children aged 4-12 across the city. These camps, in partnership with schools, non-profits, and faith-based organizations, will offer a diverse range of academic, cultural, and recreational activities, including field trips to popular attractions like the Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas.

NORD’s Teen Career Camps provide valuable experience and career exploration opportunities for youth aged 13-15, while JOB1 NOLA Youth Works offers various programs for teens and young adults, including traditional work environments, junior camp counselor roles, pre-college preparation, and internships closely aligned with career interests.

Applications for NORD Teen Camps and JOB1 NOLA Youth Works opened on February 20, 2024, and are currently available online. Interested applicants must complete the pre-registration form, and registration completion is accepted by appointment only. Due to limited space, early application is strongly encouraged.

To facilitate the registration process, prospective participants are encouraged to visit nola.gov/nolayouthworks and review the information under the youth information tab before registering. Applicants will receive an email to schedule appointments as they become available. It is important to print a copy of the application and bring all required documents to the scheduled appointment.

JOB1 NOLA Youth Works partners with private companies and non-profit organizations to provide quality summer experiences in safe and structured environments. This initiative not only enhances participants’ education but also builds workforce knowledge and capacity.

Local businesses are urged to participate in providing paid job experiences for eligible youth. Employers can learn more about the program by visiting nola.gov/nolayouthworks or by contacting the Office of Workforce Development at (504) 658-4531 or via email at [email protected]. The City depends on the collaboration of both public and private sectors to create pathways to prosperity for young individuals.

youth summer programs