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Unlocking Opportunties

The Need

In 2002, the American Community Survey conducted by the US Census Bureau profiled the New Orleans MSA population 25 years and older and their education levels. The survey showed that 21% of the surveyed population held less than an high school diploma and 30% with high school diploma/equivalents.  The same survey showed that 22% had some college and 24% held an associates or bachelors degrees. 

To unlock a persons’ earning potential education is the key.  Studies have shown direct correlation between income growth and education attainment.  According to the US Census Bureau’s report The Big Payoff, with each successive education level attained it is associated with an increase in earnings.  The report shows that workers with bachelor’s degrees earned 1.8 times the annual earnings of workers with only a high school diploma. Widening the earnings gap more, workers with advanced degrees earned 2.6 times that of a high school graduate.

The Program

Unlocking Opportunities offers a chance to increase one’s earning potential by providing connections to and financial support to attend vocational training, associates and bachelor degree programs at area schools, colleges and universities. 
The program staff, through an intake and interview process, has served over forty (40) dedicated young men and women age 18 to 24 who has met program eligibility.  

Eligibility

Age: 18 to 24
Income: Living at or below the poverty level
Education: reading and math test scores must be at the 5th grade level or above (determined by standard achievement tests)
Each participant, with the support of staff, will identify and develop short and long term career goals.  They will also have a customized plan of action to meet those goals.  The program will support the education goals of candidates in one of three ways:
1. Students that choose vocational course offerings like Truck Driving (CDL) and Allied Health.
2. Students who aspire to obtain a four year degree will be given the opportunity to enroll in 15 credit hours of General Education courses that are used towards all degrees offered in the four year arena. 
3. Students who wish to enter and concentrate mainly on technical training will be offered the opportunity to enter the wide variety of traditional training programs that can lead to an Associate Degree program.

Getting Started
To get involved in Unlocking Opportunities or to learn more about the program contact Kiksha Constantine, the Project Service Coordinator.

Unlocking Opportunities

Urban League of Greater New Orleans
Kiksha Constantine, Project Service Coordinator
2322 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70119-6504
504-919-0089 or 504-620-2332
kconstantine@urbanleagueneworleans.org