For a student interested in nursing, a conversation about financial aid brought college plans into clearer focus. For seniors learning welding, HVAC, and other skilled trades, the day offered information about how to take their next steps. And for local employers, it was an opportunity to meet young people who could become part of their future workforce.
The fifth annual St. John the Baptist Parish College and Career Fair brought together more than 400 young people and about 70 exhibitors, connecting students with colleges, universities, training programs, employers, and resources to help them prepare for life after high school.
The goal was to help students understand their options, align their studies with their interests, and identify pathways to careers that can support them and their families here in Southeast Louisiana.
“I think this event is about exploration, discovery, and opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Cleo Perry Jr., superintendent of St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools. “I think it’s a great day in St. John where we’re able to bring the business partners and colleges together to work with our students.”
Perry emphasized the value of connecting students directly with local businesses, colleges, and entrepreneurs so they can better understand the opportunities available in their own parish.
“I thank everyone for investing in St. John’s students and definitely showing our students that there are more opportunities out there than they can imagine,” he said.
Students received a career cluster guide that helped them find exhibitors connected to their interests, from healthcare and construction to energy, manufacturing, transportation, technology, business, and the arts. College preparation, financial aid, and workforce resources helped students explore both where they wanted to go and how they could get there.
For one East St. John High School student planning a nursing career, a visit to Delgado Community College’s table introduced financial aid options she had not known about. She described plans to begin her nursing education at Delgado and later pursue a bachelor’s degree. Another student interested in nursing explored opportunities at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Their conversations highlighted why it matters to bring education and career resources together: discovering a program is one step; understanding admissions, costs, and available assistance helps students turn an interest into a plan.
A group of seniors shared ambitions ranging from welding and HVAC to military service, carpentry, and interior design. One was already pursuing welding training through high school.
“They’re giving us a lot of information too, that you can take home,” one senior said. “All the details to make sure we know everything.”
For students concerned about the cost of continuing their education, Dow’s apprenticeship program offered another possibility: earning a salary while learning a profession.
A Dow early career leader from its St. Charles operations explained that apprentices work for the company while pursuing a two-year degree, with Dow paying tuition, books, and fees. Depending on the role, the program takes approximately two to three years.
“So, they get paid to go to school, they get paid to study, they also get paid to come work with us and learn,” she explained.
The program also reflects a shared interest in helping young people build futures in their own communities.
“Our goal is to find students in the area that want to stay here and want to grow this community,” she said.
Conversations like these help students see connections between the businesses around them and their own futures. An employer they recognize by name can become a potential workplace. A subject they enjoy can become a field of study. A career that once seemed out of reach can begin to feel achievable.
“Every student deserves the chance to see a future they’re excited about—and understand how to get there,” said Larry Washington, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans. “When schools, colleges, and employers come together, we can help young people connect what they’re learning today with opportunities for tomorrow. We want students to leave knowing they have options, people who believe in them, and a path toward a career that can support a family right here at home.”
Junior Achievement is grateful to St. John the Baptist Parish Schools and the Kiwanis Club of Tri Parishes for their continued partnership, and to every college, university, trade school, business, and organization that shared time and expertise with students.
Together, these partners are helping young people make informed choices about education and work—and see that building a meaningful, family-sustaining career can begin right here at home.