Successful Futures
Empowering the Next Generation to Achieve More
At Boys Town Louisiana, we have been providing youth and family care services in the New Orleans community for more than 30 years. One of our newest services is our Successful Futures program.
Successful Futures is crafted to support young adults and adults in making and executing well-informed decisions regarding their education and career paths. This encompasses orchestrating the allocation of need-based and merit scholarships to exceptional and qualified students pursuing both undergraduate and trade degrees. The program also oversees the organization of various learning experiences such as internships, apprenticeships, shadowing, volunteering, and other career-oriented opportunities aimed at enhancing participants' career decision-making skills.
The Successful Futures Program comprises three levels:
Advanced Life Skills
- In the Advanced Life Skills Classes, participants (ages 16-18) receive instruction in key criteria, including goal setting, conflict resolution, budgeting, financial literacy, career planning, independent living, resume development, time management, and stress relief.
Senior Planning
- In the Senior Planning phase, we assist participants (ages 16-18) in formulating Plans A, B, and C for their future endeavors. This involves utilizing career inventories, hosting guest speakers, facilitating job shadowing, and providing internship.
The Trade Life Program
- Upon discharge, participants (ages 18-22) transition into The Trade Life Program. We conduct opportunities. bi-weekly meetings for a duration of up to four years, providing continuous support and guidance throughout their journey into adulthood.
What’s at Stake
In the absence of the Successful Futures Program, discharged youth may find themselves either returning to the system or seeking refuge in shelters. Through our program's assistance and support, participants gain optimism about their lives and readiness for the future.
Early Head Start
Working with local community partners, our Successful Futures program is helping parents with children involved in Early Head Start to:
- develop important life skills
- choose the educational or occupational path that is right for them
- write a resume and learn job seeking skills
- get started in a new job/career
Development Classes
Those enrolled in the Early Head Start Successful Futures program will take six unique development classes covering topics like:
- Conflict resolution
- Healthy relationships
- Career planning
- Budgeting
- Resume development
- Mock interviews
- Time management
What's Next
After finishing career and life skills assessments and attending class sessions, the Successful Futures team will work closely with the participant, along with the Early Head Start Consultant, to create a customized plan for their future. Once the formal plan is in place, the team will work together to be available as an additional resource on their journey ahead.
Contact Us
Semaj Douglas
Successful Futures Specialist
semaj.collins-douglas@boystown.org
Topher Bordenave
Successful Futures Manager
topher.bordenave@boystown.org