New Orleans Students Complete Workforce Development Program, Receive Paid Stipends as Expansion Planned for Next Year
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 15
NEW ORLEANS — Dozens of New Orleans high school juniors and seniors in the city's Algiers community were recognized Saturday for completing a workforce development program designed to prepare young people for future careers while providing them with paid work experience.
Students participating in the Algiers Career Education Development (ACED) Program were honored during a completion ceremony hosted by the Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) at the Orleans Parish School Board headquarters. Family members, educators, community leaders and elected officials gathered to celebrate the students' accomplishments.
The ACED Program, funded through a state appropriation secured by State Senator Gary Carter, Jr., provides career readiness training, professional development opportunities and paid workforce experiences for students in the Algiers community.
Addressing the graduates, Carter announced that funding for the program has been increased for next year's cohort, allowing AEDF to expand opportunities for future participants.
"We've been able to increase funding because we believe in this program and the impact it's having on young people," Carter said. "We want to continue investing in opportunities that help students gain experience, build confidence and prepare for their future."
AEDF Executive Director LaVerne Toombs said the organization hopes to use the additional funding to increase the number of program days offered to participants.
"Our goal is to expand the program so students can spend more time learning, gaining experience and earning money," Toombs said.
The ceremony featured a keynote address by Brandon Armant, CEO of BAMM Communications, who encouraged students to develop a vision for their future and prepare themselves for opportunities before they arrive.
Using the theme, "Put Your Glasses On," Armant challenged students to continue investing in themselves and to remain focused on their long-term goals.
"The fact that you're here today tells me you've already started putting your glasses on," Armant said. "You chose to invest in yourself. That's what people with vision do. They prepare themselves for opportunities before those opportunities arrive."
Students also received proclamations from Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter and State Representative Delisha Boyd recognizing their successful completion of the program.
Among those attending the ceremony were Constable Edwin Shorty and former Orleans Parish Clerk of Criminal District Court Darren Lombard, who joined family members and community supporters in congratulating the graduates.
While the ceremony celebrated the students' achievements, organizers also acknowledged one of the program's most popular benefits: getting paid. At the start of the program, Toombs joked that the ceremony would not run too long because students would be receiving their checks that day and still needed enough time to make it to the bank before closing. The comment drew laughter from students and family members in attendance.
The ceremony concluded with graduates receiving certificates, posing for photographs and celebrating the completion of a program that organizers say continues to create pathways to education, employment and career success for young people in Algiers.
With expanded funding planned for next year, AEDF leaders said they hope to build upon the program's success and provide even more opportunities for future cohorts of students.
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