Our Work
Our work is rooted in the belief that all young people need supportive environments to succeed. LOYAL partners with organizations across Louisiana to create an ecosystem of opportunities tailored to the unique needs of Opportunity Youth. Whether it’s through workforce development programs, access to quality education, or mentorship initiatives, we ensure young people are plugged into the resources that power their growth. By linking youth to these critical connections, we are equipping them for the journey toward a stable, successful future.
The Opportunity
When young people are plugged into work, school and community, they succeed. In Louisiana, nearly 1 in 6 young people between the ages of 16 and 24 are not plugged into work or school. We call this population Opportunity Youth. Young people who aren’t in school or at work need to be connected to resources in their communities, such as mentoring and job training programs. This has enormous consequences both for our young people and for our society as a whole.
Young people need access to strong, stable communities that give them the stability that they need, allowing them to contribute to their communities. While there are many factors that increase and decrease the likelihood of a young person becoming an Opportunity Youth, Louisiana’s Opportunity Youth live in every region of the state, though youth in certain areas experience higher rates of disconnection than others.
There are many factors that increase and decrease the likelihood of a young person becoming an Opportunity Youth. When young people have access to strong, stable communities, it gives them the stability they need, allowing them to contribute to their communities.
They come from all backgrounds and races.
Black males are more likely to be Opportunity Youth than their peers, followed by Latina and Black females.
16% of opportunity youth in Louisiana live with a disability of some kind, compared to 6.5% of those who are connected.
Young women who are opportunity youth are three times more likely to be mothers than connected women (24.1% and 8.3% respectively).
And over 10% of opportunity youth — and 25% of young Black men who are opportunity youth — are involved in the justice system and living in an institution.
Our Belief
Every young person deserves the chance to build a strong foundation for their future. When youth are disconnected from work and school during these critical years, it creates barriers that can affect their personal and professional growth. Opportunity Youth, like all young people, need access to resources and relationships that help them thrive—such as early work experiences, mentoring, and opportunities to build essential networks.
We can equip these young people for the journey ahead by creating environments that connect them to these supports. Programs that provide job training, foster strong interpersonal skills, and open pathways to higher education empower Opportunity Youth to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Together, we can ensure they have the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges, thrive in the workforce, and contribute to healthier, stronger communities.
The Impact
The path to adulthood can be bumpy for everyone, but Opportunity Youth face a particularly steep climb on that path due to their backgrounds and circumstances. When youth are not engaged in work or school, they essentially experience life not being plugged into the connectivity and resources that their communities have to offer. Every young person needs access to financial resources, supportive relationships, and opportunities to do well. Opportunity Youth need the same thing, and that is the work of the Louisiana Opportunity Youth Alliance. We exist to be a part of the team that uplifts the Opportunity Youth living in Louisiana and ensures that they have access to what they need to live thriving lives.
When youth are not connected to work and school during these formative years, it often reverberates throughout their lives. Without the advantages of early work experience, personal and professional network development and the interpersonal skills that connected youth gain during these years, Opportunity Youth are at a disadvantage. Over their lifetime, they are more likely to experience unemployment, lower wages, lower educational attainment, and worse health outcomes. We can do better.
Take Action
Plugging Opportunity Youth back into our community is a group effort. And we need your help! Together, we can advocate for policies and programs that invest in Opportunity Youth and connect them to the resources, support and connections they need to thrive.
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