В Шreveport запустили программу Caddo Works для связи школьников с местным бизнесом

SHREVEPORT, La. — The Greater Shreveport Chamber and Caddo Parish Public Schools are encouraging local businesses to sign up for Caddo Works, a workforce development initiative that connects students with career opportunities and hands-on learning experiences throughout the community. Launched in the fall of 2025, Caddo Works was created to give middle and high school students earlier exposure to local industries while helping employers build relationships with the region's future workforce. Organizers say the program is designed to help students better understand career options available in Northwest Louisiana and encourage them to pursue opportunities close to home. The initiative serves as a central hub linking businesses with schools for a variety of career-focused activities. Companies can participate by providing guest speakers, hosting facility tours, supporting job shadowing opportunities and career days, participating in cooperative education programs or offering internships for students. Greater Shreveport Chamber President Tim Magner, Ph.D. said the program benefits both students and employers. “Caddo Works is about preparing our students for what’s next while showcasing the real opportunities that exist right here in Northwest Louisiana,” Magner said. “We are encouraging all businesses across the Parish to step up and help inspire the next generation to see their future here.” Caddo Schools Superintendent Keith Burton said workforce development begins long before students graduate. “We want all of our students to begin exploring their direction for life after high school as early as elementary and middle school,” Burton said. “To do that, we need businesses from across our community to engage, whether that’s as a speaker, with a tour or as an internship site.” Organizers stress that businesses of any size can participate and that even small commitments can make a difference in helping students learn about potential careers. The Caddo Parish Schools Workforce Department is currently scheduling engagement opportunities and internship experiences for the 2026-27 school year. - Caddo Works offers the opportunity for businesses of all sizes and across all industries to participate in as many as 5 ways: - Providing guest speakers or panels to share career journeys - Hosting student tours of facilities - Supporting job shadowing and career day events - Participating in cooperative education efforts - Offering internships More information and registration details are available at CaddoWorks.us.