NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) invested $293,826 in teen stipends this summer, providing 670 young people with opportunities to earn money while developing leadership skills, exploring careers, building confidence and participating in sports and enrichment programs. This year’s investment is nearly $40,000 higher than last summer, when NORD provided more than $254,000 in teen stipends, reflecting the agency’s continued commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for New Orleans youth.
Through NORD’s Summer Career Camps, teens participated in 12 different camp options designed to provide hands-on learning, career exploration and skill development. NORD also hosted the Teen Summer Sports Challenge, offering opportunities in basketball, flag football, volleyball, e-sports, Jr. Lifeguard and podcasting.
Of the nearly $294,000 invested in teen stipends this summer, $201,345 was provided to participants in Summer Career Camps and $92,481 was provided to participants in the Teen Summer Sports Challenge.
The stipend program provides direct economic support to participating teens while reinforcing the value of their time, effort and commitment. By pairing financial incentives with hands-on experiences, NORD gives young people opportunities to develop practical skills while earning income.
“NORD’s investment in our teens is an investment in the future of New Orleans,” said Natasha Robinson, Interim CEO of NORD. “These programs give young people an opportunity to earn, to lead, to discover their strengths and to see themselves as capable of achieving more. Every stipend reflects a young person showing up, putting in the work and gaining skills, confidence and experiences they can carry with them beyond the summer. When we invest in our young people and give them meaningful opportunities to grow, we are helping build a stronger, more confident and more connected city.”
NORD’s summer programs are made possible through the work of NORD staff and community partners who help plan, operate and deliver the camps and activities throughout the summer. Their combined efforts allow NORD to provide young people with a broad range of opportunities and experiences.
The summer programs gave teens opportunities to strengthen teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving skills while gaining exposure to areas including sports, aquatics, technology, media and a variety of career pathways.
NORD’s summer programs demonstrate the power of investing in young people and creating opportunities that can shape their confidence, skills and vision for the future.
To learn more about NORD programs and opportunities for youth and families, visit www.nordc.org.