NEW ORLEANS — Today, the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission, in partnership with the City of New Orleans Office of Workforce Development and the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families, announced the launch of the 2025 Youth Summer Programming. With a $2 million investment, the City will provide a robust slate of employment, enrichment, and recreational opportunities to approximately 4,000 youth and young adults ages 4–24 across all five City Council districts.
This year’s programs are made possible through a collaboration between NORD and the Office of Workforce Development’s NOLA Youth Works program, ensuring New Orleans youth, teens, and young adults have access to paid employment, career exploration, summer camps, and more.
To watch the full press conference, click here.
“As we head into Summer 2025, I’m proud of the opportunities we’re providing for the youth of New Orleans. From internships and enrichment programs to new athletic facilities and recreation spaces, we’re creating safe, engaging environments where young people can grow and thrive,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “With over $2 million invested and thousands of youth employed through NOLA Youth Works and NORD, our commitment to youth success remains strong. These programs are a reflection of our promise to support and empower the next generation.”
NOLA Youth Works and NORD will host the Mayor’s 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program. This citywide initiative partners with local nonprofits and private employers to ensure youth are placed in safe, structured, and enriching work environments.
Opportunities include:
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Teen Career Exploration Camps (ages 13–15): Hands-on training in STEM, arts, health, and public service fields, paired with stipends.
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Traditional Employment Track (ages 16–24): Workplace readiness in professional settings.
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Junior Camp Counselors (ages 18–24): Youth lead and assist with NORD summer camps.
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Work and Learn Youth (ages 16–24): Pre-college preparation through programs like Upward Bound.
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Intern NOLA (ages 18–24): Career-aligned internships for college students with 30+ credits (resume and interview required).
Registration is now closed for the 2025 summer employment programs.
“We’re proud to be serving more than 3,000 youth and teens this summer through camps, sports, and career exploration,” said Larry Barabino Jr., CEO of NORD Commission. “These investments aren’t just about summer programming. They’re about creating pathways, building confidence, and showing our youth what’s possible when a city believes in them. None of this would be possible without our incredible partners, who help us bring these programs to life in neighborhoods across New Orleans.”
This summer, NORD is offering 20 youth camps that will serve 1,570 children ages 4–12 across the city through school, nonprofit, and faith-based partnerships. These camps include academic, cultural, and recreational programming, such as trips to the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas, and swimming safety lessons at NORD pools.
Registration is CLOSED for the youth camps.
In addition, teens ages 13–17 can participate in the Teen Summer Sports Challenge, a citywide program focused on structured team sports, leadership development, and physical activity. Participants can earn up to $450 upon program completion.
“Guided by the Youth Master Plan’s focus on strategic connectivity, we’ve paired the City’s workforce opportunities with practical supports so every youth can seize the season: the Youth Programs Directory puts camps and specialty programs at families’ fingertips, the Opportunity Pass removes transit costs with free RTA rides, and every New Orleans Public Library branch broadens access with its own programs, Culture Passes, and the Summer Reading Challenge. Together, these tools keep work, learning, and exploration within reach for all our young people,” said Asya Howlette, Director of the Office of Youth and Families.
This summer’s programming is supported by recent infrastructure investments in recreational spaces, including:
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New Super Bowl LIX-quality turf at Joe W. Brown Park, Perry Roehm Stadium, Larry Gilbert Stadium, and Lafitte Greenway.
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Opening of the George W. Rainey Natatorium at Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Park—New Orleans’ newest indoor aquatic center for swim instruction, fitness, and family recreation.
“The Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program is creating real impact by connecting young people to career exploration, professional mentors, and financial empowerment,” said Tyra Johnson Brown, Director of Housing Policy, Community and Workforce Development. “Thanks to our dedicated workforce staff and incredible employer partners, we’re excited and ready for a successful summer that sets our youth on the path to lifelong success.”
Interested families are encouraged to visit nordc.org, follow @NORDCommission on social media, or stop by any NORD center or Job1 location for more information.
The City of New Orleans encourages more businesses and nonprofits to participate in these vital youth initiatives. Employers can learn more about hosting youth workers at nola.gov/nolayouthworks, email nolayouth@nola.gov, or call the Office of Workforce Development at (504) 658-4568.
Together, these investments and partnerships are helping build a stronger, safer, and more opportunity-filled summer for New Orleans youth.
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